Defending Serie A champions Inter Milan welcome newly-promoted Como to the iconic San Siro on Monday evening, as the Nerazzurri aim to maintain pressure on their title rivals. Simone Inzaghi’s side enters the match in scintillating form, while Como looks to build on recent positive results.
Inter have been in imperious form lately, winning eight of their last ten league games and scoring an impressive 30 goals in the process. Their most recent outing saw them dismantle Lazio 6-0 away from home, sending a clear message to their Scudetto competitors. The Nerazzurri currently sit third in the table, with a game in hand on leaders Napoli and second-placed Atalanta.
Como, under the guidance of rookie coach Cesc Fabregas, has shown signs of adaptation to top-flight football. The Lariani are coming off a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Roma, which lifted them out of the relegation zone. They are currently on a three-game unbeaten run, their longest such streak this season.
This fixture marks the first meeting between Inter and Como since March 2003, when the Nerazzurri secured a commanding 4-0 victory. Historically, Como have struggled at San Siro, losing their last 12 away matches against Inter in Serie A after winning their very first encounter over 70 years ago.
For Inter, captain Lautaro Martinez will be looking to rediscover his scoring touch at San Siro, having netted just one of his last six league goals at home. Marcus Thuram’s pace and power could prove crucial in breaking down Como’s defense.
Como’s Nico Paz has been a standout performer this season, contributing two goals and three assists. The young midfielder, linked with several top clubs including Inter, will be keen to impress on the big stage.
Inter’s fluid attacking system, which has seen goals come from various sources this season, will test Como’s defensive resilience. The visitors have shown improvement in recent away fixtures, drawing their last two on the road.
Both teams have been among the most shot-happy sides in Serie A this season, with only Atalanta attempting more efforts than Inter (233) and Como (232). This could lead to an open, attacking contest, though Inter’s superior quality and experience are likely to shine through.
Team News
Inter Milan will likely see the return of key players Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez to the starting lineup after being rested in their midweek Coppa Italia victory. However, they may be without midfielder Nicolo Barella, who is nursing a thigh injury. Benjamin Pavard and Francesco Acerbi remain sidelined with longer-term injuries.
Como will be missing Maximo Perrone, Alberto Moreno, and Marco Sala due to injuries. Federico Barba is expected to continue at left-back in their absence. The visitors’ attack could be led by Andrea Belotti, with former Milan striker Patrick Cutrone potentially starting on the bench.
Expected Starting XIs
Inter Milan: Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Como: Reina; Van der Brempt, Goldaniga, Kempf, Barba; Da Cunha, Roberto; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Belotti
Match Prediction
Given Inter’s formidable home record, their recent goal-scoring form, and Como’s historical struggles at San Siro, the hosts are strong favorites. While Como have shown improvement and could pose some threat on the counter-attack, Inter’s class should ultimately prevail.
Prediction: Inter Milan 3-0 Como
