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Como vs Inter Milan: Serie A Preview
With the Scudetto still hanging in the balance, Inter Milan travel to regional rivals Como on Friday night, needing a win and a helping hand from elsewhere to retain their Serie A crown. One point behind leaders Napoli heading into the final round, Simone Inzaghi’s side must better their rivals’ result to force a historic title decider – or potentially a playoff.
by Berba
Last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Lazio left Inter ruing what might have been. Despite goals from Yann Bisseck and Denzel Dumfries putting them within touching distance of the summit, a dramatic late VAR intervention awarded Lazio a stoppage-time penalty, coolly dispatched by Pedro. The missed opportunity meant Napoli’s goalless stalemate in Parma kept them just ahead, and Inter now face a nervy final day in Lombardy.
Their form on the road has tailed off at the worst possible time, with just two wins in their last eight Serie A away fixtures following a run of eight straight victories – seven of which came with clean sheets. Nevertheless, they boast a dominant record against Friday’s hosts, winning each of their last eight league meetings, including December’s 2-0 win at San Siro.
Como, however, are not just making up the numbers. Back in the top flight after a 21-year absence, Cesc Fabregas’s side have been one of the stories of the season, securing a top-half finish with a game to spare. Their recent home form – three straight wins with just one goal conceded – gives them reason to believe they can trouble the champions, even if they no longer have anything to play for themselves.
Last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Hellas Verona extended Como’s impressive run to just one loss in eight matches, and they will look to cap a remarkable season with a statement performance. With 49 points already, they have a chance to match or eclipse Verona’s 2013-14 total – the best by a newly-promoted side in over a decade.
Team news could play a major part on Friday. Inter are sweating on the fitness of key duo Lautaro Martinez and Davide Frattesi, who were both instrumental in their Champions League semi-final triumph over Barcelona. Martinez may only be fit for a bench role, which could mean another start for Mehdi Taremi alongside Marcus Thuram. Benjamin Pavard is expected to return from injury, bolstering a back line that will again feature set-piece threat Denzel Dumfries.
Como, meanwhile, will be without top scorer Assane Diao (eight goals) due to injury, meaning Argentine starlet Nico Paz – with six goals and eight assists this term – will carry the creative burden. Alberto Dossena and Sergi Roberto are sidelined, while suspended centre-back Edoardo Goldaniga leaves a gap in the back four, likely to be filled by Ivan Smolcic.
Friday will also mark the end of an era, as veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina prepares to retire at the age of 42. Having brought invaluable experience to Como’s campaign, the Spaniard will hope to sign off with a performance to remember in what could be a title-shaping encounter.