This Saturday, the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia will host a pivotal match between Como and Parma, two teams promoted from Serie B last season and now fighting to establish themselves in Italy’s top flight. Both sides have experienced mixed fortunes in their return to Serie A, making this encounter particularly significant in their quest for survival.
Como, under the guidance of former Arsenal and Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas, have shown signs of adaptation to Serie A after a challenging start. Despite a recent 3-1 loss to league leaders Napoli, the Lariani had previously enjoyed a three-match unbeaten run, including their first top-flight victory in over two decades.
Currently sitting 14th in the table, Como find themselves three points clear of the relegation zone. A win against Parma could see them secure back-to-back home victories in Serie A for the first time since 1988, a testament to their growing confidence.
Fabregas seems to have found a potent attacking formula, combining the experience of Patrick Cutrone with the emerging talents of Nico Paz and Gabriel Strefezza. Paz, fresh from his first call-up to the Argentina national team, has been particularly impressive, contributing significantly in terms of shots, chances created, and successful dribbles.
Parma, despite a promising start that saw them collect four points from their first two matches against Fiorentina and AC Milan, have since struggled to maintain momentum. The Crociati are currently winless in five matches, with their last outing resulting in a goalless draw against regional rivals Bologna.
Coach Fabio Pecchia faces the challenge of addressing his team’s tendency to drop points from winning positions and their disciplinary issues. Parma currently share the dubious honor of having received the most red cards in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
Despite their current league positions, Parma can draw confidence from their historical record against Como. The Crociati have lost only one of their last 13 league meetings with the Lariani, a statistic they’ll be keen to extend.
Como are likely to maintain their attacking trident of Cutrone, Paz, and Strefezza, which has shown promise in recent weeks. Parma, on the other hand, may rely on the creativity of Dennis Man, who leads Serie A in chances created from open play this season, to support striker Yoan Bonny.
Team News
Parma’s preparations have been hampered by several absences. Yordan Osorio is sidelined after picking up an injury on international duty, while Alessandro Circati remains a long-term absentee. The suspension of Woyo Coulibaly further complicates Pecchia’s defensive options.
Expected Starting XIs
Como: Audero; Van Der Brempt, Kempf, Dossena, Moreno; Perrone, Roberto; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Parma: Suzuki; Del Prato, Leoni, Balogh, Valeri; Sohm, Bernabe; Man, Hernani, Mihaila; Bonny
Match Prediction
Given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and the importance of the match in the context of the relegation battle, we can expect an open, attacking game. The combination of Como’s home advantage and Parma’s historical edge sets the stage for an evenly matched contest.
Prediction: Como 2-2 Parma
