Como vs Lecce – News and Probable Lineups

With aspirations for a coveted top-four finish – a mere two years after their Serie A return – Como is set to host struggling Lecce at Stadio Sinigaglia on Saturday afternoon.

The Lariani enjoyed a double victory over the fallen giants Juventus last week, revitalizing their Champions League ambitions, while Lecce’s recent defeat has pushed them into the relegation zone.

Match overview

Just two years ago, few supporters would have believed it, but Como achieved consecutive league victories against Juventus last weekend, besting the Bianconeri with a 2-0 scoreline for the second time in a single season.

Breaking a three-match winless streak, the Lariani found the net once in each half to secure a remarkable victory over Italy’s most decorated club.

Currently, Juventus holds the fifth position with 46 points, while both Como and Atalanta BC are closely behind with 45, as the battle for European spots intensifies towards an exciting conclusion.

Since promoting from Serie B in 2024, Cesc Fabregas and his teammates have rapidly advanced, currently contesting for a top-four placement and competing for the club’s first Coppa Italia – with a semi-final match against Inter de Milão still pending.

Although Fabregas has been surrounded by some noteworthy attacking talent, their achievements hinge on a robust defence: only league leaders Inter have managed more clean sheets than their total of 13.

Nonetheless, Como has recently faced difficulties at home, securing just one victory in their last five matches at the Sinigaglia, having previously taken maximum points in four of the preceding five games.

Before making the lengthy journey to Lombardy, Lecce has lost all three encounters since Como joined them in Serie A, having conceded eight goals and not managed to score at all.

After suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Via del Mare in late December, the Salentini will be eager to improve their performance this Saturday.

Having bolstered their survival chances with back-to-back wins earlier this month – against Cagliari and Udinese – they fought valiantly, though they ultimately succumbed to Inter last time out.

It took the title contenders 75 minutes to find a breakthrough, but Eusebio Di Françasco’s side ultimately fell to a 2-0 loss at home, leaving them at risk of slipping into the relegation zone.

Fiorentina went on to defeat Pisa in a tense Tuscan derby, hence Lecce will enter this weekend in 18th place within the standings, owing to a less favorable goal difference compared to both the Viola and the slumping Cremonese.

Consequently, another intense battle for survival is on the horizon, as the Giallorossi aim for a club record-extending fifth consecutive year in Serie A.

Team News

Como has been struck by two new injuries in their attack, with the in-form Martin Baturina ruled out for three weeks due to an ankle sprain, while teenage winger Jayden Addai has had his season cut short by an Achilles injury sustained in training.

Assane Diao remains sidelined as well, but Fabregas will have access to key player Nico Paz, who missed last week’s victory due to suspension.

His return is opportune, considering Paz thrives in matches against Lecce: after having opened the scoring in this season’s earlier fixture, he holds four goal contributions in three games against them.

The Argentina international occasionally operates as a false nine, though Tasos Douvikas is expected to lead the attack ahead of Alvaro Morata.

While the hosts have numerous options, no current player from Lecce has reached double figures for career goals in Serie A.

Out-of-form forwards Walid Cheddira and Nikola Stulic will again compete for a starting spot, while Milan loanee Françasco Camarda remains unavailable.

Camarda joins Mergim Berisha and Kialonda Gaspar in the Giallorossi’s treatment room, with Gaspar having sustained a serious knee injury during the match against Inter.

Como probable starting XI:

Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Paz, Rodriguez; Douvikas

Lecce probable starting XI:

Falcon; Veiga, Gabriel, Siebert, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Pierotti, Gandelman, Sottil; Cheddira

Despite dropping a few points at the Sinigaglia recently, Como continues to be a tough opponent at home and consistently collects clean sheets.

In contrast, Lecce has not celebrated consecutive Serie A away victories since 2023, while they offer minimal threat in attack.