Serie A Preview: Como vs Inter – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction | OneFootball

One of the most exciting title races in recent Serie A memory has gone down to the wire, with Inter Milan chasing a one-point deficit to Napoli. There’s no margin for error as the reigning Scudetto holders take on newcomers Como at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia this Friday.

Como could throw a spanner in the works, and it’s hard to put it past them to upset the San Siro giants. Cesc Fabregas’ side already stunned Napoli on this ground in February, showing a knack for taking the division’s biggest scalps. Furthermore, they head into proceedings in fine form.

Despite failing to beat Hellas Verona in a 1-1 away draw last weekend, the hosts secured a top-half finish in their first season back to the top flight. That’s largely thanks to a scintillating six-game winning streak beforehand, which featured three victories at this stadium.

Inter would be naive to take this task lightly, even though they beat Como 2-0 in December’s reverse fixture at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. However, Simone Inzaghi’s side may have missed their only chance to overtake Napoli at the Serie A table summit last weekend.

The Nerazzurri shared the spoils with Lazio in a highly controversial 2-2 draw on home turf. Referee Daniele Chiffi came under heavy scrutiny after the match for awarding a dubious penalty to the Biancocelesti and dismissing Boulaye Dia’s offside position for Pedro’s first goal.

Napoli’s tepid 0-0 stalemate at Parma only fuelled the tensions, prompting Inter president Beppe Marotta to take drastic actions. Per La Repubblica via Goal, he will raise the matter at the upcoming official FIGC meeting.

Match Preview

Como

Fabregas has done an incredible job at Como this season, turning the ‘Lakers’ into one of Europe’s most exciting teams. A seven-game unbeaten streak at the start of this round only adds to the home side’s optimism as they look to sign off from Giuseppe Sinigaglia in style.

It’s been over two months since Como last tasted defeat in Serie A. However, that loss came at the expense of Inter’s arch-rivals AC Milan, making it for dismal reading as they hope to arrest a dreadful eight-game losing streak against the Nerazzurri.

Yet, Fabregas’ charges are no strangers to punching above their weight, taking points from six of the current top-eight teams. Though they failed to do so against Inter at Meazza, Como can draw heart from their superb home form, having avoided defeat in their last six league matches here (W4, D2).

Inter Milan

Keen to become the first side other than Juventus to retain the Serie A title since 2009/10, Inter can still recreate partial memories of the iconic treble-winning season under Jose Mourinho. The last time they defended the Scudetto, they also won the Champions League trophy – a piece of silverware they could lift later in May.

However, Inzaghi’s focus remains on overthrowing Napoli in Serie A. Inter must hold up their end of the bargain in Como and hope for the best. Indeed, they need Cagliari to upset the apple cart in Naples and hand them a crucial title boost. Yet, the omens do not look good.

Inter have only won two of their last eight away league outings (D3, L3). On the bright side, the defending champions have dropped points on the final day of just one of the past eight Serie A seasons (W7, D1). That’s not to mention they’ve been a dominant force in this fixture over the years.

Team News

Alberto Dossena and Sergi Roberto are on the sidelines with injuries, while Edoardo Goldaniga must serve a one-game suspension. Those absences pale in comparison to the injury standout Como forward Assane Diao suffered toward the end of April.

It will be a landmark occasion for legendary goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who will retire from football at the final whistle.

On the other hand, Inter may take this trip without Benjamin Pavard and Piotr Zielinski. Lautaro Martinez and Davide Frattesi are back in training, yet both should start on the bench after being out of action for over two weeks.

Como vs Inter Milan Potential Starting Line-ups

Como (4-2-3-1): Butez; Vojvoda, Smolcic, Kempf, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Paz, Caqueret, Strefezza; Douvikas.

Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Taremi.

Como vs Inter Milan Prediction

It’s debatable how Inter will look now that Inzaghi must serve a touchline ban after being sent off against Lazio. Needless to say, they must bring their A-game to the table to beat an in-form Como. With all due respect to the Lakers’ recent heroics, the visitors should get three points on the board.