Como Vs Atalanta

Atalanta BC, in a bid to rekindle their Serie A title challenge after a disappointing stretch of four consecutive league games without a win, will travel to nearby Como on Saturday for a critical fixture. While the Bergamaschi secured an impressive victory in the Champions League in their most recent outing, their domestic form has faltered, causing them to slide down the league standings. In contrast, their opponents, Como, are experiencing a gradual rise in the Serie A table and could prove to be a formidable adversary.

Atalanta’s struggles in Serie A have been marked by an unexpected and sudden drop in form. After an extraordinary 11-match winning streak earlier in the season, they have now gone four league games without a victory, leaving them a far cry from their earlier dominant position at the top of the table. This disappointing run has seen them drop to third place, behind both Inter Milan and Napoli. Atalanta’s last league outing was a particularly bitter one, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Napoli. The match saw an eventful first half, during which Mateo Retegui put Napoli in front, only for Atalanta to fight back, equalizing later through Ademola Lookman. However, Romelu Lukaku’s decisive strike in the second half handed the three points to Napoli, a result that compounded Atalanta’s domestic woes. Despite the setback, Lookman’s efforts in securing the equalizer were a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating encounter for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

This run of poor results is the longest winless streak Atalanta has experienced in Serie A since early 2022. With the new year underway, they are eager to break their current slump and secure their first win of 2025. A victory in this fixture against Como would not only give them a much-needed boost but would also reignite their hopes of a successful title challenge in the remaining months of the season.

Atalanta’s morale, however, has been somewhat lifted by their midweek success in the Champions League. The team demonstrated their attacking prowess in a resounding 5-0 win over Sturm Graz, a result that confirmed their place in the top eight of the group stage. In that match, both Lookman and Retegui found the back of the net, and the victory gave Gasperini’s side a much-needed morale boost. With the top eight secured, Atalanta now has the chance to secure an automatic spot in the knockout rounds, with one more match remaining in the group phase. Their final fixture, which will see them face Barcelona away, might be a challenge, but with the Catalan club already having qualified, they could afford to take their foot off the gas. Regardless, Atalanta’s focus for now will be on getting back to winning ways in Serie A.

Their domestic form must improve if they are to have any chance of challenging for the Scudetto this season. To make matters more complicated, Atalanta will be seeking to avenge a surprising loss to Como earlier in the campaign. In September, Como pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, and the Lombardy club will be hoping to secure a historic double over their more illustrious opponents. A win in this fixture would mark only the second time in history that Como has managed to complete a league double over Atalanta.

Como, for their part, have demonstrated resilience despite their early struggles in Serie A. The newly-promoted side has had a challenging transition to the top flight but has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. Their triumph in Bergamo earlier this season has been a standout result, and they now find themselves gradually climbing the Serie A table, distancing themselves from the relegation zone. They are on the brink of achieving another remarkable feat: defeating Atalanta twice in one season. This would be a significant achievement for Como and a testament to their growing strength in the league.

Historically, Como has not been an easy opponent for Atalanta, especially at home. In nine previous meetings between the two teams in Serie A at the Stadio Sinigaglia, Como has won six times, losing only once. This strong home record gives the Lariani confidence heading into the weekend’s clash. Furthermore, Como’s recent form has shown they are capable of pulling off surprise results against higher-ranked teams. In their last six league matches, Como has won three times, helping them edge away from the relegation zone and giving them vital points as they aim to secure their top-flight status for another season.

Como’s latest victory came on Monday, when they comfortably defeated Udinese 4-1 at home. The match was marked by a dramatic sequence in which both teams were reduced to ten men, but despite the numerical disadvantage, Como managed to outplay their opponents. Rising star Nico Paz scored the final goal of the match, capping off a dominant display, while Assane Diao, a recent signing, scored his second goal in as many games. This strong performance against Udinese was just another example of Como’s growing confidence and potential. With nine points from their last 12 available at home, they have proven to be a tough team to beat at Stadio Sinigaglia, and this form could be crucial in their bid to avoid relegation.

For Como, the key to their survival will be maintaining their strong home form and continuing to pick up points in their remaining fixtures. The team’s recent upturn in results has been largely due to a solid home record, and if they can keep up their good performances at Stadio Sinigaglia, they may be able to ensure their place in Serie A for next season. With new signings such as Diao settling in well and contributing to the team’s success, coach Cesc Fabregas appears to have found the right balance in his squad. Fabregas, who joined Como from the English football scene, has brought fresh ideas and a wealth of experience to the club, and he is now beginning to see the benefits of his work. As the team slowly but steadily moves away from the danger zone, Fabregas will be hoping to continue his successful work and guide Como to safety.

Como’s current position in the league reflects a side that is slowly but surely growing in stature. After finishing as runners-up in Serie B last season, the Lariani have had a challenging start to life in Serie A, but with recent form improving, they are now on track to avoid an immediate return to the second tier. The battle for survival in Serie A is always intense, with several teams in a fight to stay up, and Como’s strong recent performances could make all the difference as the season progresses. If they can continue to take points from their home games, they could secure their place in the league for another year, giving them the chance to build on their progress and aim for a better future in the top flight.

Atalanta, however, will have other plans as they look to recover from their dip in form and regain the momentum they had earlier in the season. Their title hopes are still alive, but they must address their recent struggles and focus on returning to winning ways in Serie A. The upcoming match against Como presents a crucial opportunity for them to put their league troubles behind them and secure a much-needed victory to keep their challenge for the Scudetto intact.

For both teams, this encounter promises to be an exciting and high-stakes affair. Atalanta will be determined to bounce back after a difficult run, while Como will aim to extend their strong home form and continue their climb up the table. With both sides eager for the points, the match on Saturday could be a turning point for either team, setting the stage for the second half of the Serie A season.