Cesc Fabregas' hopes of leading Como into the Champions League remain firmly intact after his team beat Hellas Verona 1-0.

Como moved to within two points of AC Milan, who occupy fourth spot in Serie A and face Atalanta later on Sunday, with a cagey win over their already-relegated opponents at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, which also ensured they will play in Europe for the first time in their history.

Andrias Edmundsson's defensive blunder proved costly for Verona in the 71st minute.

He should have cleared a long ball, but instead got caught under it, allowing Tasos Douvikas to pounce, and after setting himself, the Greek forward lashed home brilliantly.

Martin Baturina saw an attempt saved and Nico Paz was blocked on the counter-attack as Como searched for a second, though it was ultimately not required.

Como know they must rely on slip-ups from the teams above them, while also likely have to beat Parma and Cremonese in their final two matches, to clinch a top-four spot.

They will also be hoping for a favour from Parma, who host sixth-place Roma before matchday 36 is out.

While the top-four race remains very much on, Como are now assured of a place in the European places. The only question now is which continental competition they will be featuring in next term.

Data Debrief: Como edge it out

Fabregas was expecting a stern challenge, and it is fair to say Verona gave it as good as they got.

Verona and Como both had 11 shots, with the hosts' accumulating 0.97 expected goals to the visitors' 0.9.

Yet Douvikas proved decisive. He went into this weekend as one of only four players – alongside Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram and Rasmus Hojlund – to have scored more than one goal with his right foot, left foot and head in Serie A this season.

This finish was a beauty with his right, as the ball sat up nicely for him to arrow a strike into the bottom-right corner. He has now been involved in a goal in each of his three Serie A games against Verona, who have lost to Como twice in the same top-flight campaign for the first time.