The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is set to host a compelling Serie A encounter this Saturday as Como, the Serie A newcomers, welcome title-chasing Atalanta. This match presents an intriguing contrast between Como’s fight for survival and Atalanta’s ambition to reignite their Scudetto challenge.
Atalanta, once perched atop the Serie A table, have hit a rough patch in their domestic campaign. After an impressive run of 11 consecutive league victories, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have failed to secure a win in their last four Serie A outings. This slump has seen them slip to third place, trailing both Inter Milan and Napoli.
Their most recent league fixture, a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Napoli, exemplified their current predicament. Despite a goal from the in-form Ademola Lookman, Atalanta couldn’t prevent Romelu Lukaku from securing the win for the Partenopei. This result marked Atalanta’s longest winless streak in the league since early 2022.
However, La Dea found some respite midweek with a commanding 5-0 victory over Sturm Graz in the Champions League. This resounding win not only boosted morale but also secured at least a playoff spot in Europe’s elite competition.
Como, on the other hand, have been steadily climbing the Serie A table. Under the guidance of former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, the Lariani have won three of their last six matches, gradually distancing themselves from the relegation zone.
Their most recent outing saw them demolish Udinese 4-1, with new signing Assane Diao continuing his impressive start by netting his second goal in as many games. Rising star Nico Paz also got on the scoresheet, underlining Como’s growing attacking threat.
Interestingly, Como can draw confidence from their historical record against Atalanta. The Lariani have lost only one of their nine previous home games against La Dea in Serie A, boasting six wins in the process. Moreover, Como stunned Atalanta with a 3-2 victory in Bergamo earlier this season, setting the stage for a potential league double – a feat they’ve achieved only once before in their history.
Team News
Atalanta will be without defensive duo Odilon Kossounou and Isak Hien, while Italy internationals Nicolo Zaniolo and Gianluca Scamacca are also unavailable. Gasperini is likely to rely on the attacking trio of Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and the prolific Mateo Retegui, who has notched an impressive 14 goals in 19 league appearances.
Como’s Fabregas has several attacking options at his disposal, with Assane Diao’s immediate impact and the return of Nico Paz providing a boost. However, the home side will miss the suspended Edoardo Goldaniga and the injured Sergi Roberto. There are also fitness concerns over full-backs Alberto Moreno and Ignace Van der Brempt, as well as veteran striker Alessandro Gabrielloni.
Expected Starting XIs
Como: Butez; Iovine, Dossena, Kempf, Moreno; Da Cunha, Caqueret; Diao, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Match Prediction
Given Como’s strong recent home form, which includes victories over Roma and Udinese, and Atalanta’s current league struggles, this match could prove to be a closely contested affair. Atalanta’s need to balance their Serie A ambitions with their upcoming Champions League commitments might affect their performance.
While Atalanta possess the quality to end their winless run, Como’s resilience at home and the historical context of this fixture suggest that a draw could be on the cards. A 1-1 result would see Atalanta drop further points in their title chase, while Como would gain another valuable point in their bid for Serie A survival.
Prediction: Como 1-1 Atalanta
