Como's Champions League hopes take hit with loss to Sassuolo in Serie A

The away team showed they had more motivation for the remainder of the campaign, dominating the ball in the opening period while Sassuolo preferred to defend deeply and withstand the attacks.

Como experienced their initial loss in nearly eight weeks after squandering a two-goal advantage in a home match against league toppers Inter the previous week, but as the break neared, the Neroverdi defence held firm, and Sassuolo capitalised swiftly on the hosts lack of sharpness by netting twice within moments.

Fabio Grossos squad initiated a break from deep in their territory, with a long ball reaching M’Bala Nzola in open space, and his precise pass set up Cristian Volpato, who chipped his initial shot over the helpless Jean Butez to put the visitors ahead.

Merely two minutes on, they extended the advantage when Nzola switched roles from assist maker to finisher, coolly placing his first strike since November beyond Butez from inside the box.

That said, during added time at the interval, the Lariani pulled one back via Nico Pazs arched header that nestled into the upper left corner, paving the way for a tense resumption.

Even after the equaliser, the Neroverdi entered the second half with optimism, being the sole Serie A outfit to triumph in all matches where they held the lead at the break this term.

Butez needed to stay sharp to thwart Volpatos attempt around the 60th minute as Sassuolo aimed to extend their buffer.

Nevertheless, with about 20 minutes left, Paz nearly levelled matters and grabbed a brace, his lifted shot from near distance sailing over Stefano Turati, though the keeper scrambled back just in time to clear the danger.

Though Como controlled most of the possession, they failed to threaten further, resulting in their first road loss since December.

Sassuolo now boast four victories in their past five home outings, sustaining a strong return to elite Italian football. This outcome lifts them two spots to ninth and into positive territory, whereas a dejected Como hold fifth, potentially facing a five-point deficit to the Champions League spots by the weekends close.