Even the Serbs Bow to Baturina
Croatian international Martin Baturina dazzled Europe with a spectacular goal for Como against Arsenal, with praise coming from all sides, including Serbia.
Croatian international Martin Baturina dazzled Europe with a spectacular goal for Como against Arsenal, with praise coming from all sides, including Serbia.
Martin Baturina, the Croatian international and midfielder for Italian club Como, scored a goal that has been talked about across Europe for days. In a friendly match against Arsenal at the Emirates, Baturina received the ball on the left side of the penalty area in the 43rd minute, dribbled past two Arsenal players with a 'roulette' move, and unleashed a powerful shot past goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
His goal canceled out the lead that Myles Lewis-Skelly had established ten minutes earlier, and there were no more goals in regular time. In the penalty shootout, Arsenal came out on top 4-3, but that did not diminish the brilliance of Baturina's performance.
Italian media are sparing no praise for the Croatian midfielder. La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: "It was a flash of class that Como needed to prevent things from going in the wrong direction, but also a goal they can rely on in European matches."
Tuttomercatoweb called Baturina a "goal-scoring magician" and a "star of the future," adding: "He returned from the break after the World Cup and immediately scored in his first appearance. With a clever move, he took out two opponents and sent them into the 'wall,' and then scored the equalizer. He stole the show and sent a strong message ahead of the upcoming season."
Baturina's goal echoed loudly across the Danube. Serbian outlet Sportklub covered the stunner with the headline: "Even Ronaldinho would be envious! Croatian magic at the Emirates." Bosnian portal Klix also covered the goal, writing that "the Croatian played with the best defense in the world."
Como's official Twitter account also commented briefly: "Baturina. What a finish."
Italians are asking for 75 million euros for Baturina, and offers so far have reached up to 50 million euros. After moves like this, he seems worth every euro, especially ahead of a season in which Como will play in the Champions League.
Alongside Baturina, another Croatian international has taken a step in his career. Franjo Ivanović joined French club RC Lens on loan from Benfica, confirmed on August 12, 2026.
