It has been a busy summer at Como, with no fewer than 12 players coming in through the door.
However, perhaps their best bit of business was holding on to manager Cesc Fàbregas, and the visit of Lazio provided the perfect opportunity to test whether his side can realistically aim to finish above last season’s 10th-placed finish.
During the first half, it was clear that they have the ability to cause Serie A's strongest sides problems this term.
Nico Paz was heavily involved, twice shooting over the bar while also seeing an attempt saved by Ivan Provedel. Jacobo Ramón also missed the target with a shot, while fellow new signing Jesús Rodríguez headed wide after a cross to the back post.
The home side’s best opportunity actually fell to Mërgim Vojvoda, but Provedel was equal to it as he palmed it away to safety.
At the other end, Lazio - now led by the returning Maurizio Sarri - struggled to create any chances of note, with Nuno Tavares firing well over the bar before Jean Butez held a tame shot from Mattéo Guendouzi.
Lazio had the first shot of the second period when Matteo Cancellieri drove well wide of the post within 60 seconds of the restart, but Como were ahead almost immediately after.
Paz’s talent and endeavour finally paid dividends as his through ball released Anastasios Douvikas, who slotted into the corner despite Provedel getting a solid touch to the ball with his feet.
Fàbregas’ men immediately went in search of another strike, and captain Lucas Da Cunha was not far away from rippling the back of the net from outside the area.
Against the run of play, Lazio thought they had equalised when Taty Castellanos stroked past Butez, but the goal was ruled out for a narrow offside.
In truth, Como were the only team who ever looked like winning this one, and the points were effectively confirmed by a moment of magic from Paz. After Rodríguez was fouled around 25 yards from goal, the 20-year-old stepped up and curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner.
It could have been even worse for Lazio had the woodwork not denied Vojvoda, while Provedel also kept out Da Cunha’s fierce effort.
Ultimately, Como had to make do with a two-goal winning margin, an outcome that Fàbregas will be delighted with.
Lazio, meanwhile, were second-best from start to finish, and Sarri has plenty of work ahead of him as he looks to take the Biancocelesti back to European football.