Inter Milan will aim to continue their winning run when they take on struggling Como on Monday night in Serie A.
Inter Milan return to Serie A action at the Giuseppe Meazza on Monday as they welcome Como for their first league meeting since 2003. The reigning champions are riding high following a resounding 6-0 demolition of Lazio and a straightforward 2-0 win over Udinese in the Coppa Italia.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Como head into this match on a high after a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over AS Roma, which saw them climb out of the relegation zone. While Inter are firm favourites given their star-studded squad and title aspirations, Como’s recent performances suggest they will not go down without a fight.
Inter Milan have been in blistering form this season, sitting within striking distance of the top of the table. Simone Inzaghi’s men have demonstrated their attacking prowess with 30 goals in their last 10 Serie A matches, while their defensive solidity has been equally impressive. The Nerazzurri have kept three clean sheets in their previous five games across all competitions, underlining their balanced approach.
Last week’s emphatic 6-0 win over Lazio was a statement of intent from Inzaghi, whose side showed clinical finishing and cohesion. With Lautaro Martinez leading the line, supported by the creative brilliance of Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella in midfield, Inter possess the firepower to dismantle any defence. Marcus Thuram’s dynamism and Denzel Dumfries’s marauding runs down the right flank, adding further dimensions to their attack.
Como arrive following a landmark 2-0 win over AS Roma, a result that ended their winless streak and gave them renewed hope in their battle against relegation. Nico Paz and veteran striker Alessandro Gabrielloni provided the heroics, but coach Cesc Fabregas knows his team faces a monumental task against the reigning champions.
While Como have been more resilient in recent weeks — going unbeaten in their last three matches — they have struggled against top-tier opposition. They remain a team in transition after last season’s promotion from Serie B, and their defensive frailties have been exposed, particularly on the road.
Fabregas will likely set up his side defensively in a compact 4-4-2 formation, aiming to frustrate Inter and hit on the counterattack through Nico Paz and Patrick Cutrone. However, Como’s limited attacking output — they have scored just 11 goals in 16 league matches — will be a significant concern against a well-drilled Inter defence. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Inter Milan
Inter Milan will face Como with a strong lineup, but some notable absences remain. Defensive stalwarts Benjamin Pavard and Francesco Acerbi are still sidelined due to ongoing fitness concerns. Additionally, influential midfielder Nicolo Barella, who is dealing with a thigh issue, is unlikely to feature in this match but could return for upcoming fixtures against Cagliari and in the Supercoppa Italiana.
Manager Simone Inzaghi is set to recall key players Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, with the latter aiming to rediscover his best form at San Siro. Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic, who featured in the midweek Coppa Italia fixture, will make way for the dynamic attacking duo.
Inzaghi is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation. Yann Sommer will guard the goal, shielded by a back three comprising Yann Bisseck, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni. Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco will occupy the wing-back roles, offering width and contributing to both defensive and offensive phases.
In midfield, Davide Frattesi, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will orchestrate play and provide creative impetus. Up front, captain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram will lead the attack, aiming to penetrate Como’s defence with their movement and finishing abilities.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, de Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Como 1907
Como 1907 will travel to the Giuseppe Meazza without Maximo Perrone, Alberto Moreno, and Marco Sala due to injuries. The absence of Moreno and Sala means that Federico Barba is likely to reprise his role at left-back, where he may face the daunting task of handling Inter’s dynamic wing-back Denzel Dumfries.
Meanwhile, Nico Paz, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan and other top clubs, has been a key player for Como this season, contributing two goals and three assists in Serie A, making him the joint-top contributor for the team alongside Patrick Cutrone.
However, former AC Milan striker Patrick Cutrone, despite his history with San Siro, is expected to start on the bench. His recent dip in form has seen manager Cesc Fabregas favour Andrea Belotti in the lone striker role. The visitors will rely on their young stars and experienced players to stand a chance against the reigning champions.
Cesc Fabregas is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina will start between the posts, shielded by a backline of Ignace Van der Brempt at right-back, Edoardo Goldaniga and Marc-Oliver Kempf as the centre-back pairing, and Federico Barba on the left.
In midfield, Lucas Da Cunha and Sergi Roberto will operate as the double pivot, providing both defensive cover and transition play. The attacking midfield trio will feature Gabriel Strefezza on the right, Nico Paz in the central creative role, and Alieu Fadera on the left, supporting Andrea Belotti as the lone striker upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Reina; Van der Brempt, Goldaniga, Kempf, Barba; Da Cunha, Roberto; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Belotti
Key Stats
- Inter and Como are meeting in Serie A for the first time in over 21 years since March 2003. In their last encounter at San Siro, Inter triumphed 4-0, with goals from Christian Vieri (2), Luigi Di Biagio, and Gabriel Batistuta under coach Hector Cuper.
- Inter have won their last seven Serie A matches against Como. Only against Pescara (eight consecutive wins) do Inter have a longer open streak of victories in the competition.
- After losing their first-ever home game against Como in Serie A back in May 1950 (1-2), Inter have gone on to win their subsequent 12 home games against them in the tournament. A victory on Monday would make it 13 consecutive home wins against a single opponent for the first time in Serie A history.
- Following their derby defeat to AC Milan earlier this season, Inter have won eight of their last 10 league games (D2), scoring 30 goals and conceding just 10. They could win four Serie A matches in a row for the first time this season.
- Inter Milan have scored 40 goals in Serie A this season. In the past 70 years, they have only scored more after 16 games during the 2020/21 campaign, when they had 41 goals at this stage.
Player to Watch
Lautaro Martinez
Inter Milan’s captain and talisman, Lautaro Martinez, remains the key figure to watch in this clash against Como. While his recent form at San Siro has dipped slightly — only one of his last six league goals has come at home — Martinez is still a relentless attacking force who thrives under pressure. With his leadership on and off the pitch, Martinez has already netted 13 goals in Serie A this season, maintaining his place among the league’s elite forwards.
Against a Como defence that has struggled against top-tier opposition, Martinez will be eager to exploit gaps with his sharp movement, clinical finishing, and ability to link up effectively with his strike partner, Marcus Thuram. His knack for delivering in crucial moments makes him the focal point of Inter’s attack and a significant threat to Como’s hopes of leaving Milan with a positive result. Expect Lautaro to lead by example as Inter looks to continue their strong league form.
Prediction
Inter Milan 4-0 Como 1907
Inter Milan are overwhelming favourites in this matchup, and for good reason. The champions boast superior quality in every department and have been nearly unbeatable at San Siro this season.
Como’s recent resurgence and confidence from beating AS Roma will give them some belief, but the gulf in class is likely to be evident. The Nerazzurri will likely dominate possession and create numerous chances, leaving the visitors with little room to maneuver. Another comfortable win will keep Inter firmly in the title race.
