After a challenging start to their Serie A campaign, Como finally return to their home ground on Saturday as they host Bologna at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Both teams are still in search of their first league victory this season.
Como’s return to top-flight football after two decades has been far from ideal. The newly-promoted side has been forced to play their first four matches of the season away from home while their stadium underwent renovations to meet Serie A standards. Their campaign began with a disappointing Coppa Italia elimination at the hands of Serie B side Sampdoria, followed by a string of underwhelming league performances.
With just one point from their opening three Serie A fixtures, Como find themselves at the bottom of the table. Their last outing before the international break resulted in a 1-0 defeat to Udinese. The team will be relieved to finally play in front of their home fans, something they haven’t done in Serie A since 2003.
Como’s home form was impressive last season in Serie B, with 12 wins and only two losses from 19 matches. However, they face a significant step up in competition this year. Coach Cesc Fabregas will be eager to break an unwanted streak – Como have failed to win their opening home fixture in their last 10 Serie A campaigns.
Bologna, meanwhile, are also struggling to find their footing this season. After a surprising fifth-place finish last year under Thiago Motta, the team has faltered under new manager Vincenzo Italiano. They have managed just two points from their first three matches, drawing against Udinese and Empoli while suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Napoli.
The visitors have their own demons to exorcise at Stadio Sinigaglia. Bologna’s last top-flight meeting with Como at this venue 21 years ago ended in a 5-1 defeat. In fact, they have never won a Serie A away game against Como in nine attempts – their worst such record against any club.
Team News
Both teams are dealing with injury concerns. Como will be without high-profile summer signing Raphael Varane and midfielder Daniele Baselli. For Bologna, several players are sidelined, including Dan Ndoye, Emil Holm, Nicolo Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, and long-term absentee Lewis Ferguson.
As Como look to capitalize on their long-awaited homecoming and Bologna aim to build momentum before their Champions League debut next week, this match promises to be a crucial encounter for both sides in their quest to kickstart their Serie A campaigns.
Expected Starting XI:
Como: Reina; Iovine, Kempf, Dossena, Moreno; Mazzitelli, Roberto; Strefezza, Cutrone, Da Cunha; Belotti
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Aebischer; Orsolini, Fabbian, Karlsson; Dallinga
