Douvikas double lifts Como to fourth after Man Utd win
- Anastasios Douvikas scored twice as Como beat Sassuolo 2-0 in Serie A on Saturday.
- The win lifted Cesc Fabregas's side to fourth, two points behind leaders Inter Milan.
- Como had thrashed Manchester United 4-1 in the Champions League in midweek.
Como carried their midweek Champions League form into Serie A on Saturday, beating Sassuolo 2-0 at home with both goals from Anastasios Douvikas.
The Greek striker struck twice in the space of 11 second-half minutes, breaking a game that had frustrated Cesc Fabregas's side for long spells. Sassuolo defended stubbornly, but the home team eventually made the pressure count.
The win lifts Como to fourth on the table, two points behind early leaders Inter Milan, who host Fiorentina on Sunday.
Douvikas is in sharp form: five goals in his last four games, and eight in all competitions this season, according to the reports.
Why it matters beyond Italy
Como's rise is one of the stories of the young season. The club qualified for Europe for the first time in its history last term, and in midweek it thrashed Manchester United 4-1 in the Champions League.
For Nigerian fans who follow the Premier League closely, that result will sting. United, one of the most supported clubs in Nigeria, were beaten soundly by a side many supporters had barely watched before this season.
Como's run also matters for the Serie A table. A club that was not long ago outside the European conversation is now pressing at the top, and every win tightens the race.
What happens next
Inter Milan can respond on Sunday when they host Fiorentina. Later on Saturday, Roma were due to visit Napoli hoping to go top, while second-placed Lazio hosted Parma with the summit in their sights.
Como's next task is to show this is not a short burst. With Douvikas scoring freely and the team sitting fourth, the coming weeks will test whether Fabregas's side can stay in the title conversation.
