Late Penalty Drama as Paz’s Prospect Holds Firm in Como–Atalanta Goalless Clash
1 February 2026
Match Summary
In a goalless Italian Serie A clash on Sunday, Como hosted Atalanta in round 23. The home side earned a late chance from a penalty awarded in stoppage time of the second half. Nico Paz stepped up in the 90+8th minute, but Marco Carnesecchi produced a fine save to keep the scores level.
A draw keeps Como on 41 points in sixth place, while Atalanta remain seventh on 36. The two teams shared a tense night with the decisive moment failing to find the back of the net.
Buy-back Update
As reported by AS, Real Madrid is set to activate the buy-back clause for Nico Paz in the summer of 2026. Paz left Real Madrid for Como in 2024, and Madrid has a clause that could recall him for around €9 million in 2026 or 2027.
Como's points tally rose to 41, consolidating a top-six finish, while Atalanta sit on 36. The drama at the end of the match adds another chapter to Paz's tentative rise in Italian football.
Punchline 1: If penalties were dating apps, Paz would still be swiping left on fate every time.
Punchline 2: In football, the net sometimes goes on strike, but the hype never does.
