Como vs Sassuolo – News and Probable Lineups

Following a remarkable midweek triumph in Europe, Como will aim for their second consecutive Serie A victory this Saturday when Sassuolo comes to Stadio Sinigaglia.

After comfortably overcoming Fiorentina last week, the Lariani went on to defeat Manchester United in the Champions League, further deepening the crisis for the English club.

Match overview

Como faced little difficulty after Nico Paz netted within the first two minutes, eventually winning with ease against Man United on Wednesday, marking their second 4-1 victory in as many Champions League home matches.

When United last lifted the European trophy in 2008, the Lariani were stuck in Serie D, but the fortunes of both teams have shifted drastically since that time.

Paz, in inspired form, wowed the crowd at Sinigaglia with a brace and assisted Tasos Douvikas for another goal, with Jacobo Ramon scoring the fourth – putting Como in a strong position for the knockout stage.

The newcomers in continental competitions have also collected 14 points in Serie A, matching a club record start from 1950 with their victory over Fiorentina last week by 3-1.

As expected, Paz scored again at Stadio Franchi, as Como rebounded from an uncommon pair of losses with a statement performance.

With many remarkable pages being written in Como’s history by Cesc Fabregas and his team, they remain unbeaten at home this season, and may even entertain thoughts of a title challenge.

While Como eliminated Sassuolo from the Coppa Italia last season and secured victory in their first-ever meeting in Serie A, the Neroverdi responded with a 2-1 win at home in April.

This might give them a glimmer of hope heading into their trip to Lombardy, even though recent form suggests otherwise.

Como has been making significant strides while Alberto Aquilani’s side has gathered only one point from their last three outings, culminating in a 4-2 loss against newly-promoted Frosinone.

Having committed six errors leading to goals, Sassuolo has the most of any team in the league, with goalkeeper Arijanet Muric contributing to this tally with his third mistake of the season last weekend.

Conceding within the first ten minutes put the Neroverdi on the back foot throughout the match, and that defeat dropped them down to 13th in the Serie A table.

Aside from a potentially fruitful cup run, where they are set to face Juventus in the last-16 in early December, Aquilani’s reign has not been particularly exciting.

Team News

Como will be missing Trevoh Chalobah, Jesus Rodriguez, and Assane Diao due to injuries, while Mattia Liberali was ruled out on Wednesday with a shin issue.

The latter is expected to be available this weekend, and Moise Kean might also make a return; if fit enough, the Italian striker could replace Douvikas, who has been regularly starting during this busy schedule.
Douvikas, who scored against Man United, has netted all six of his recent league goals away from home.

Paz reached 20 Serie A goals with his strike against Fiorentina, whereas Sassuolo’s standout player has notably outpaced him.

Domenico Berardi, including his recent goal against Frosinone, has tallied 132 goals in the top-flight since 2013, with only Ciro Immobile (196) and Lautaro Martinez (136) exceeding his tally during that time.

With fierce competition for attacking positions, Sebastiano Esposito and Kieron Bowie will continue to vie for a spot in the lineup.

Once again, Ismael Kone, Jay Idzes, Daniel Boloca, and Belgian defender Fedde Leysen will not be available.

Como probable starting XI:

Sanchez; Smolcic, Kempf, Ramon, Kaiki; Perrone, Da Cunha; Addai, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas

Sassuolo probable starting XI:

Muric; Van der Brempt, Caleta-Car, Odenthal, Doig; Adzic, Matic, Thorstvedt; Berardi, Esposito, Lauriente

Riding high after a memorable victory midweek, Como’s upcoming challenge will be maintaining their consistency amidst a demanding fixture schedule – but all indicators point toward another positive result.

The Lariani have only conceded once in their last four Serie A home matches, while struggling Sassuolo is yet to win away since February, marking their second-worst stretch at this level.