The picturesque Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on the shores of Lake Como will host an intriguing Serie A matchup on Thursday evening as newly-promoted Como welcome high-flying Lazio. Both teams enter this fixture with contrasting form and ambitions, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter.
Como, back in Serie A after a 20-year absence, have made a respectable start to life in the top flight. With 9 points from their opening 10 matches, the Lariani currently sit 17th in the table, just above the relegation zone. However, their recent form has dipped with two losses and a draw in their last three outings.
In contrast, Lazio are riding high after an excellent October that has seen them win four of their last five Serie A matches. The Biancocelesti currently occupy 6th place with 19 points, keeping pace with the European qualification spots. Their attacking prowess has been particularly impressive, netting 17 goals in their last 7 games across all competitions.
Como will take solace from their strong home record this season, remaining unbeaten at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia so far. The vociferous support of the Lariani faithful has spurred them on to some impressive results, including back-to-back 3-2 victories earlier in the campaign.
Lazio, for all their recent success, have struggled on their travels in Serie A this term. Marco Baroni’s men have lost three of their four away fixtures, a record they’ll be desperate to improve upon as they make the journey to Lombardy.
For Como, Patrick Cutrone leads the line and will be crucial to their attacking threat. Nico Paz is a rising star in midfield who has shown flashes of brilliance, while Gabriel Strefezza provides creativity and goal threat from wide areas.
On the other hand, Lazio’s Ciro Immobile remains one of Serie A’s most lethal finishers. Luis Alberto pulls the strings in midfield with his vision and technique, and Nuno Tavares has been in scintillating form, providing seven assists already this season.
Como manager Cesc Fabregas is likely to set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. The Spanish tactician will look to frustrate Lazio and capitalize on any mistakes.
Marco Baroni’s Lazio typically line up in a fluid 4-3-3 system that emphasizes possession and attacking flair. The visitors will aim to dominate the ball and create chances for their potent forward line.
Team News
Como will likely miss midfielder Sergi Roberto due to a thigh strain, while defender Ignace Van der Brempt is ruled out through injury. Alieu Fadera, Gabriel Strefezza, Nico Paz, and Patrick Cutrone are expected to form the attacking quartet.
Lazio welcomes back defender Alessio Romagnoli from suspension but will be without right-back Manuel Lazzari due to injury. Striker Tijjani Noslin is available after serving a European suspension.
Expected Starting XIs
Como: Audero; Iovine, Kempf, Dossena, Moreno; Mazzitelli, Perrone; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Lazio: Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Noslin, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Match Prediction
While Como have shown they can be a tough nut to crack at home, Lazio’s superior quality and recent form should see them through. The Biancocelesti’s attacking firepower is likely to prove too much for the hosts’ defense, which is yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
Expect an entertaining match with goals at both ends, but Lazio should have enough to secure all three points.
Prediction: Como 1-2 Lazio
