Martin Baturina (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Martin Baturina produced a brilliant individual goal for Como against Arsenal at the Emirates, leaving two defenders behind before finishing with precision.
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Martin Baturina has delivered another reminder of why expectations surrounding him are so high in Italy. The Croatian international scored a spectacular goal for Como in a friendly against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Arsenal eventually winning 4-3 in the penalty shootout. The result, though, was overshadowed by a moment of individual brilliance from Baturina.
Arsenal took the lead through Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Como responded shortly before half-time.
In the 43rd minute, Baturina received the ball just outside the penalty area and immediately attacked the Arsenal defence. With a superb piece of skill, he slipped between two Arsenal players, created space for himself and beat the goalkeeper with a precise finish.
The Croatian's individual move quickly spread across social media, with supporters praising both the skill that took him beyond the defenders and the composure of his finish.
The Italian media were equally impressed. La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted Baturina's goal as an example of the individual quality Como will need when they begin their Champions League campaign.
"It was a glimpse of the quality that Como needs when things are not going in the right direction, and at the same time a goal that he will be able to rely on in European matches," the Italian newspaper wrote.
Neither side managed to find another goal during normal time, sending the match to penalties.
Ivan Smolčić and Álvaro Morata failed to convert their penalties for Como, while Christos Tzolis scored the decisive spot-kick for Arsenal to secure a 4-3 shootout victory.
Baturina nevertheless left the Emirates as one of the major talking points of the match.
The Croatian midfielder left Dinamo Zagreb last summer and signed a contract with Como until 2030. His first season in Serie A proved highly successful, with Baturina recording six goals and three assists.
His performances helped Como finish an extraordinary fourth in Serie A and secure historic qualification for the Champions League.
Now Baturina is preparing for his first season in Europe's elite club competition. If his goal against Arsenal is any indication, the 23-year-old Croatian looks ready to take another major step forward.