This Como vs Sassuolo Preview looks at one of the most intriguing matches of Serie A Matchday 8, with Cesc Fàbregas’ side aiming to continue their impressive start to the season.
Fresh from one of the biggest victories in club history, Como return to Serie A action looking to maintain their momentum against Sassuolo at the Stadio Sinigaglia. Cesc Fàbregas’ side have emerged as one of Italy’s surprise packages this season, while Alberto Aquilani’s team arrive eager to bounce back from a disappointing defeat against Frosinone.
Como vs Sassuolo Preview: Match Overview
The Lariani enter Matchday 8 sitting fifth in Serie A with 14 points from seven matches.
Recent results have strengthened belief around the club:
Como’s Last Five Matches
- Como 4-1 Manchester United (Champions League)
- Fiorentina 1-3 Como (Serie A)
- Feyenoord 3-2 Como (Champions League)
- Como 0-0 Roma (Serie A)
- Frosinone 2-0 Como (Serie A)
The victory over Manchester United further elevated Como’s growing reputation across Europe and confirmed the progress made under Fàbregas.
At home, the numbers are equally impressive. Como are unbeaten in official matches at the Sinigaglia this season, recording three wins and one draw.
A positive result against Sassuolo would guarantee at least 15 points from the opening eight league matches, the best start in the club’s Serie A history.
Sassuolo Searching for Consistency
The visitors arrive in a different situation.
Despite showing flashes of quality, Sassuolo have struggled to put together consistent results and currently sit 13th in the table with eight points.
Sassuolo’s Last Five Matches
- Frosinone 4-2 Sassuolo
- Sassuolo 1-1 Milan
- Monza 2-1 Sassuolo
- Sassuolo 3-2 Juventus
- Bologna 2-2 Sassuolo
One statistic perfectly summarizes their season so far: Sassuolo are the only Serie A side to have both scored and conceded in every league match this campaign.
While their attack remains productive, defensive mistakes have proven costly.
Fàbregas Rejects Exit Talk
Ahead of the match, Fàbregas was asked about Sassuolo coach Alberto Aquilani and suggestions that he could eventually become his successor at Como.
The Spaniard immediately dismissed speculation about his future.
“I have never thought about leaving. If I started thinking about it, maybe that would be my end.”
Fàbregas also praised Aquilani’s work.
“He is doing an incredible job. He has grown consistently as a coach and plays an interesting style of football. We have similar ideas.”
The comments highlighted the mutual respect between two coaches committed to possession-based football and player development.
Team News
Como Absentees
Fàbregas confirmed that several key players remain unavailable:
- Moise Kean
- Mattia Liberali
- Assane Diao
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Jesús Rodríguez
Speaking about the injury situation, the Como coach stated:
“Liberali has a small problem. I don’t think he will be available. Kean can’t be there either, although he could return soon.”
The absence of Kean means Tasos Douvikas is expected to continue leading the line.
Sassuolo Absentees
Sassuolo are also dealing with important injuries.
Unavailable players include:
- Jay Idzes
- Fedde Leysen
- Daniel Boloca
- Ismaël Koné
Aquilani confirmed that Idzes remains unavailable and admitted that Leysen’s absence is particularly frustrating given the player’s importance to the defensive unit.
Key Players to Watch
Nico Paz (Como)
Few players in Serie A are enjoying a better moment.
After scoring twice against Manchester United, Nico Paz has now produced six goals in his last seven appearances for club and country.
Fàbregas recently praised the Argentine midfielder’s mentality:
“He makes the difference because of his mentality even before his quality. That’s why I never want to take him off.”
Paz continues to be the creative focal point of Como’s attack.
Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)
If Sassuolo are to leave Como with a positive result, Berardi will likely play a central role.
The Neroverdi captain scored in the previous round and remains the team’s biggest attacking threat.
His creativity, experience and ability to decide matches make him the player Como must contain.
Nemanja Matic (Sassuolo)
The veteran Serbian midfielder remains the heartbeat of Aquilani’s side.
Much of Sassuolo’s buildup play flows through Matic, which is why Lucas Da Cunha is expected to play an important role in trying to reduce his influence.
A Curious Champions League Paradox
One of the most interesting talking points surrounding Como’s rise concerns the limited involvement of Italian players in Europe.
Despite becoming the best-performing Italian club in the Champions League standings after the opening rounds, Como have relied heavily on an international core.
Moise Kean, Samuele Ricci, Alberto Dossena and Mattia Liberali have collectively played only limited minutes in the competition, while players such as Nico Paz, Lucas Da Cunha, Maximo Perrone, Martin Baturina and Maxence Caqueret have formed the foundation of the team.
The contrast is striking, particularly given Como’s outstanding performances on the continental stage.
Probable Line-Ups
Como (4-2-3-1)
Butez; Yan Couto, Kempf, Jacobo Ramón, Valle; Perrone, Milla; Caqueret, Nico Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.
Coach: Cesc Fàbregas
Sassuolo (4-3-3)
Muric; Cinquegrano, Caleta-Car, Odenthal, Doig; Adzic, Matic, Bakola; Berardi, Sebastiano Esposito, Laurienté.
Coach: Alberto Aquilani
Key Statistics
- Como are fifth in Serie A with 14 points.
- Como are unbeaten at home this season (3 wins, 1 draw).
- Seven of Como’s last nine matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Sassuolo have scored and conceded in every Serie A match this season.
- Sassuolo are still searching for their first away league victory of the campaign.
- Nico Paz has scored six goals in his last seven appearances.
Prediction
On current form, Como enter the contest as favourites. The confidence generated by victories over Fiorentina and Manchester United, combined with an outstanding home record, gives the hosts a clear advantage.
However, Sassuolo possess enough attacking quality through Berardi, Laurienté and Esposito to make life difficult for the Lariani.
Expect an open match, plenty of chances and another important test for one of Serie A’s most exciting projects.
Prediction: Como 2-1 Sassuolo.
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