Assane Diao impresses on return in huge Como win

Senegal forward Assane Diao was elated to return from injury has Como from a goal down to defeat AS Roma 2-1 in a Serie A fixture at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia Djarum on Sunday.

Having returned from injury two weeks ago but absent from the last match in Cagliari due to a muscle strain, the Lion of Teranga started on the bench against Roma.

Assane Diao enchaine. Le joueur sénégalais est entré en début de 2nde periode du match Como 🆚️ As Rome, pour le compte de la 29eme journée du Calcio 🇮🇹#13football #13TV pic.twitter.com/b06sC8i6Ii

— 13football_com (@13footballC) March 15, 2026

With his team lacking efficiency and trailing at halftime after a penalty conceded by Diego Carlos and converted by Donyell Malen in the seventh minute, Como coach Cesc Fabregas decided to bring on Assane Diao at the start of the second half.

The former Real Betis player replaced former FC Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto.

‘We know what we have to do’

“How am I feeling physically? It’s been a difficult season for me, but I know I can make a difference in these matches. That’s what I want: to help the team,” Diao told media as quoted by WiwiSport.

“We have a winning mentality in the locker room. Whether we come on as substitutes or start, we know what we have to do. Our secret?

“We work hard with the coaching staff. They are incredibly competent, and it shows on the pitch. We all know where to position ourselves to cause them (the opponents) problems.”

Diao has been plagued by injuries

A hamstring injury had forced Diao to withdraw from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, and sidelined him for nearly three months.

But the 20-year-old returned to the pitch against Lecce (3-1) in Serie A on February 28, where his coach was quick to highlight his qualities.

This brief appearance was followed by around twenty minutes in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan (0-0).

Diao has been plagued by injuries since April 2025, a situation that has limited him to just six matches without a goal.

On 7 January 2025, Betis announced Diao’s transfer to Como in a deal reported to be in the region of €12 million. Born in Senegal, Diao represented Spain at the U-18, U-19 and the U-21 before opting to switch allegiance back to his homeland.

He has made two appearances for Senegal and is yet to score for the two-time African champions.