As the curtain falls on 2024, Como and Lecce prepare for a pivotal Serie A encounter at Stadio Sinigaglia on Monday. With just a single point separating these relegation-threatened sides, both teams will be eager to secure a vital victory to boost their survival hopes.
Como enter the match on the back of a valiant effort against reigning champions Inter Milan, where they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at San Siro. Despite this setback, the Lariani have shown resilience at home, losing only twice in seven matches at their lakeside headquarters since their promotion. Their most recent home outing saw them stun Roma with a memorable victory, highlighting their potential to upset stronger opposition.
However, Como’s overall form has been a concern, with just one win since September leaving them precariously close to the drop zone. Head coach Cesc Fabregas will be banking on his team’s more positive home record to turn the tide.
Lecce, under the guidance of new coach Marco Giampaolo, have experienced a slight upturn in fortunes, climbing out of the bottom three. Their last outing saw them narrowly lose 2-1 to Lazio, despite playing with ten men for the entire second half. The Salentini have shown improved attacking prowess, finding the net in each of their last six matches after a goal-shy start to the season.
The fixture carries historical significance for both sides. Como hasn’t won consecutive Serie A home matches since November 1988, with their last such victory coming against Lecce. Conversely, Lecce has never tasted victory at Stadio Sinigaglia in either of Italy’s top two divisions, making this their 12th attempt to break that duck.
For Como, Andrea Belotti’s experience and goal-scoring prowess could be crucial in this high-stakes encounter. Lecce will look to Nikola Krstovic to continue his impressive form and spearhead their attack.
Team News
Como are expected to revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation after experimenting with a three-man defence against Inter. The hosts will be without Maximo Perrone, Alessandro Gabrielloni, and Marco Sala due to injuries, but Alberto Moreno may return to bolster the defence. The attack could be led by either Patrick Cutrone or Andrea Belotti, with support from Alieu Fadera, Nico Paz, and former Lecce player Gabriel Strefezza.
Lecce face their own injury concerns, with Lameck Banda and Kialonda Gaspar sidelined until March. Antonino Gallo’s return to full training provides a boost, potentially slotting in at left-back. The suspension of Frederic Guilbert may see Patrick Dorgu shift to right-back. Federico Baschirotto, who has played more minutes than any other outfield player in Serie A this year, will anchor the defense.
Expected Starting XIs
Como: Reina; Van der Brempt, Dossena, Kempf, Moreno; Da Cunha, Roberto; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Belotti
Lecce: Falcone; Dorgu, Baschirotto, Bonifazi, Gallo; Coulibaly, Berisha, Rafia; Pierotti, Krstovic, Morente
Match Prediction
Given Como’s strong home record and Lecce’s struggles on the road, the hosts may have a slight edge. Como’s attacking intent, coupled with Lecce’s defensive vulnerabilities, suggests an entertaining match with goals at both ends. A narrow 2-1 victory for Como seems likely, but in a relegation battle, anything can happen.
Prediction: Como 2-1 Lecce
