Pietro Pellegri’s first goal for Empoli was enough to secure a 1-0 victory at home against Cesc Fabregas’s Como in Serie A on Monday evening.
Both Roberto D’Aversa and Fabregas made wholesale changes after a full midweek round of Serie A fixtures, as Nico Paz, Patrick Cutrone and Emil Audero dropped out of the Como line-up and were replaced by Lucas Da Cunha, Andrea Belotti and Pepe Reina.
Empoli, meanwhile, welcomed Mattia De Sciglio to the starting XI after Saba Goglichidze’s red card during the 3-0 loss against Inter last time out.
Though Como dominated possession for large spells, ending the game with a 60% share of the ball, Empoli registered double their shots on target with a tally of four compared to two.
The hosts made the breakthrough just after the start of the second half, as Pellegri stuck a powerful, but well-placed effort past Pepe Reina just 90 second after the restart. His goal was also enough to earn him the player of the match award.
Pellegri’s strike was enough for Empoli to hold on for their first home win of the season in Serie A, while Como have now picked up just one point from their last five league outings.
Full-time: Empoli 1-0 Como
Pellegri 47’.
