This season’s most talked about Serie A fixture arrives as AC Milan welcome Como on Wednesday.
After months of debate, postponements, and logistical controversy, AC Milan and Como finally meet in what has become one of the most talked-about Serie A fixtures of the season. Initially earmarked to be staged in Perth due to San Siro’s involvement in Winter Olympics ceremonies, the match now takes place where many felt it always should have, in Milan.
For the Rossoneri, distractions off the pitch matter little compared to the arithmetic of the title race. Milan sit second, eight points behind Inter, though they retain a game in hand. Since a stunning opening-day defeat to Cremonese, they have gone 23 league matches without defeat, currently the longest active unbeaten streak across Europe’s top five leagues. Their only setbacks since August have come in cup competitions.
Max Allegri’s side are not simply surviving; they are building momentum. Their points tally at this stage represents the club’s strongest return in over two decades. Yet their recent 1-0 win over Pisa underlined how thin the margins have become. Luka Modric’s late strike rescued three points before Adrien Rabiot’s stoppage-time dismissal added a minor complication heading into this midweek clash.
With a derby looming on the horizon and two bottom-half fixtures following this encounter, Milan cannot afford complacency. Como may be regional rivals, but they are no pushovers.
Since returning to the top flight in 2024, Como have invested ambitiously and developed clear tactical identity under Cesc Fabregas. Although they have lost all three league meetings against Milan during this spell, including a 3-1 defeat last month in which Rabiot struck twice, the Lariani have steadily grown in stature.
A recent 2-1 home loss to Fiorentina dented their hopes of pushing firmly into the top six, but their overall trajectory remains impressive. Less than two years removed from Serie B, Como are firmly in the European conversation and have also reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals after eliminating Napoli via penalties.
Perhaps most telling is their away form. Fabregas has assembled a side that travels well, losing just three of 11 league matches on the road while conceding only nine goals. Structured defensively and patient in possession, Como are comfortable absorbing pressure before transitioning quickly.
Tactically, this matchup offers contrast. Milan typically dominate territory and rhythm at San Siro, using midfield control and wide progression to pin opponents back. Como, by contrast, are pragmatic and disciplined, rarely overstretching and willing to frustrate before striking on counters.
The psychological dynamic adds intrigue. Fabregas has previously criticised Allegri’s tactical conservatism, suggesting a simmering rivalry between the benches. On the pitch, however, Milan’s experience in high-pressure scenarios gives them the edge, particularly with the title race intensifying. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
AC Milan
Milan are gradually moving toward full strength as the season enters a decisive stretch. Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao both returned to action from the bench in the recent win over Pisa, boosting Max Allegri’s attacking options ahead of this midweek clash. Belgian wing-back Alexis Saelemaekers is close to overcoming an adductor issue but remains a doubt and could miss out once again. Santiago Gimenez is still unavailable through injury and continues his recovery on the sidelines. In midfield, Adrien Rabiot will serve a suspension following his late red card last time out, forcing Allegri into at least one change in the engine room. There are no additional fresh injury concerns reported within the starting core.
With Rabiot suspended, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to continue in a more advanced midfield role, while Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug compete alongside Pulisic and Leao for the attacking positions. Fullkrug, who missed a penalty in the previous outing, will be eager to respond if selected, while Nkunku offers versatility between central and supporting roles.
Milan are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation. Mike Maignan will start in goal. The defensive trio should consist of Fikayo Tomori on the right side of central defence, Matteo Gabbia operating centrally, and Strahinja Pavlovic on the left. In the wing-back roles, Zachary Athekame is likely to occupy the right flank, with Davide Bartesaghi providing width on the left.
In midfield, Youssouf Fofana should anchor the side as the holding midfielder, with Luka Modric dictating tempo from a deeper playmaking role. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to push forward from midfield, supporting the attack. Up front, Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku are projected to lead the line as a front two, combining movement, pace, and technical quality in the final third.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Athekame, Fofana, Modric, Loftus-Cheek, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Nkunku
Como 1907
Como arrive at San Siro with a manageable but notable list of absentees. Alvaro Morata is suspended after being sent off in the recent defeat to Fiorentina and will miss the chance to face his former club. Assane Diao and Edoardo Goldaniga remain sidelined through injury, though neither absence significantly disrupts Cesc Fabregas’ preferred structure. With no further suspension issues and the majority of the squad available, Fabregas retains flexibility in his attacking configuration.
Tasos Douvikas and Nico Paz have both scored eight Serie A goals this season and remain the primary attacking threats. There is a tactical decision to be made regarding their deployment. Paz could operate as a false nine to enhance fluidity between the lines, potentially allowing Douvikas to be introduced later as a more direct focal point. Alternatively, Douvikas may lead the line from the outset, with Paz drifting into creative pockets behind him. The adaptability between these roles has been a key feature of Como’s attacking evolution this season.
Como are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jean Butez will start in goal. The back four should consist of Ivan Smolcic at right-back, Jacobo Ramon and Marc-Oliver Kempf as the central defensive pairing, and Alex Valle operating at left-back. In midfield, Maximo Perrone is likely to anchor the side in a holding role, partnered by Lucas Da Cunha, who provides ball progression and support in transition.
Further forward, Mergim Vojvoda is expected to start on the right wing, Nico Paz will operate centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Martin Baturina should feature on the left flank. Anastasios Douvikas is projected to lead the line as the central striker, tasked with stretching Milan’s defence and capitalising on counter-attacking opportunities.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas
Key Stats
- AC Milan are currently on a 23-match unbeaten run in Serie A, the longest active streak across Europe’s top five leagues.
- The Rossoneri have recorded their best points tally at this stage of a season in 22 years.
- Como 1907 have lost all three Serie A meetings with Milan since earning promotion to the top flight in 2024.
- Despite that record, Como have been strong travellers this season, losing just three of their 11 away league matches and conceding only nine goals on the road.
- Tasos Douvikas and Nico Paz have each scored eight Serie A goals this campaign.
Player to Watch
Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku could play a decisive role in a fixture where control between the lines may determine the outcome. The French forward offers a blend of technical precision, intelligent movement, and positional versatility that makes him difficult to contain in structured defensive setups like Como’s.
Operating either as part of a front two or drifting into deeper pockets, Nkunku excels at linking midfield and attack. His ability to receive under pressure, turn quickly, and accelerate into space adds unpredictability to Milan’s final-third play. Against a side that is disciplined defensively and comfortable sitting compact, his sharp one-touch combinations and late runs into the box could create the openings required to unlock the contest.
Beyond his technical quality, Nkunku also brings composure in high-pressure moments, an attribute that becomes increasingly valuable as the title race tightens. In a game where patience may be required, his creativity and timing could provide the breakthrough Milan need.
Prediction
AC Milan 2-1 Como 1907
Como’s structure and away resilience suggest this will not be a routine evening for Milan. Cesc Fabregas’ side are disciplined defensively and capable of frustrating opponents before striking on the break, and their record on the road this season commands respect.
However, AC Milan’s consistency, attacking depth, and momentum in the title race should ultimately prove decisive. With Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku adding movement and creativity in the final third, the Rossoneri have the tools to unlock a compact defence, even if it takes patience.
Expect a competitive contest, but Milan’s greater quality and home advantage should tip the balance.
