An improbable end to the Serie A season unfolded on Sunday as Cesc Fabregas and Como won to book a spot in the Champions League next season, while AC Milan were beaten at home to fall out of the top four and finish in the Europa League places.
Como's 4-1 win over Cremonese saw three players -- two from the substitutes bench -- sent off in the 72nd minute sent for the home side, which was relegated on the final day. Lecce beat Genoa 1-0 to stay out of the relegation zone ahead of Cremonese and secure Serie A safety.
In Milan, Massimiliano Allegri's side needed only to win over bottom-half Cagliari to ensure a place in the Champions League next season. But a 2-1 loss left Milan and United States attacker Christian Pulisic condemned to Europe's second-tier competition after a fifth-place finish in the league.
Milan, who were loudly booed at the end of their match, finished the season one point below Como when at times earlier in the campaign they had intentions on the title and looked assured of a spot in the top four.
That outcome came in no small part thanks to Roma beating Hellas Verona 2-0 to also leapfrog Milan and finish third in Serie A to return to the Champions League.
The derby between Juventus and Torino kicked off around an hour late after a fan was seriously injured in clashes between rival supporters outside the stadium on Sunday.
The Juventus fan was reportedly in serious but not life-threatening condition in the hospital.
Juventus' ultras caused a delay to kickoff as they wanted the match to be postponed as a sign of support for the injured fan. They had threatened a field invasion if the match went ahead, but instead left the stadium before kickoff.
Juventus are also headed for the Europa League after the wins by Como and Roma combined with their 2-2 draw with Torino seeing Luciano Spalletti's side finish in sixth place.
Como, who are based on the shores of the eponymous lake in northern Italy, have made rapid progress since Indonesian tobacco billionaire brothers Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono purchased the club in 2019, when they were in Serie D.
The Champions League could prove enough to keep Fabregas at the club, with bigger teams across Europe reportedly interested in the 39-year-old coach, who has impressed in his first senior managerial position.
Como have never been a part of European competition in the 119-year history of the club.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.