Inter vs Como Preview (Saturday) Serie A:
Possible starting lineups:
Inter:
Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Augusto, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Como:
Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Carlos, Moreno; Perrone, Caqueret; Addai, Paz, Rodriguez; Douvikas
Inter are sharing the third place with Roma. Both teams have 27 points, but the Nerazzurri have superior goal-difference. Of course, the fans are not satisfied as they want only the first place. Everything else is not good enough. The finish of the last season was a real catastrophe. Inter, who were inches away from the triplet, failed to win any of the possible three trophies. Napoli won the Scudetto, Milan were better in Copa Italia, while PSG demolished them in the Champions League final. As a result, Simone Inzaghi was replaced with Romanian coach Cristian Chivu. It is clear he need some time to implement his ideas. Five victories on the last seven matches in Serie A is not a bad result, though the defeats to Napoli and Milan were painful. Finding consistency will be the biggest challenge for Chivu. The Nerazzurri are excellent in the Champions League and national cup. Despite resting some of his key players, Inter have eliminated Venezia in Coppa Italia to face either Roma or Torino in the cup quarter-finals. Chivu has the majority of his players available, only Denzel Dumfries and Matteo Darmian are sidelined due to injury.
Como are definitely the most pleasant surprise in Serie A. They are fifth on the table, just four points away from first-placed duo of Milan and Napoli. Some of the fans start dreaming about the Champions League football for the next season. And why not, the Lariani are in excellent form. They have scored seven goals on the last two matches, meaning their confidence is very high. Scoring two against Sassuolo isn't something special, but scoring five at Torino have to be respected. Nico Paz is the key name in the squad. He has already registered five goals and five assists. But the man standing behind the success is coach Cesc Fabregas. Despite his inexperience, the Spaniard is excellent tactician, in line with Conte, Alegri, Gasperini and other top coaches in Italy. About the team news, Sergi Roberto and Edoardo Goldaniga are out injured. On the positive note, Assane Diao could complete his recovery from a thigh injury, while Ivan Smolcic is back from suspension.
Inter vs Como Prediction:
Inter have won each of the last 13 mutual games with Como. Usually it was something like "cat and mouse" game. But lot have been changed in the recent years. With Fabregas as head coach, Como are tough opponents in Serie A. They are improving every season and it is not a surprise they sit fifth on the table, just four points away from the top. Inter players could be re-focused on the upcoming match with Liverpool in the Champions League, so I think Como could upset the favorites. They have scored seven goals on the last two matches, meaning their confidence is very high. Scoring at Meazza is just a continuation of their good form.
Inter vs Como Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.91 with Bet365