Como vs. Inter Milan | Serie A | Pre Match
Como vs. Inter Milan
One point shy of top spot ahead of a dramatic Friday night finale, reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan will visit nearby Como, hoping to overhaul title rivals Napoli in a match that could define the 2024-25 season. The Nerazzurri, under the stewardship of Simone Inzaghi, have been locked in a relentless battle with Antonio Conte’s Napoli, with the two sides trading the lead multiple times over the course of a grueling campaign. As the season hurtles toward its climax, Inter find themselves in a precarious position, trailing Napoli by a single point with just one game remaining. The stakes could not be higher: a win against Como, coupled with a Napoli slip-up against Cagliari, would see Inter retain their Scudetto crown, while a draw could force a rare and dramatic playoff scenario. The tension is palpable, not only because of the tight margins in the standings but also due to Inter’s inconsistent away form in recent months, which contrasts sharply with their earlier dominance on the road. The visit to Como’s Stadio Sinigaglia, a ground where Inter have historically thrived, represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Inzaghi’s men must summon the same resilience that saw them reach the Champions League final while navigating the pressure of a must-win game against a confident and well-organized Como side. The outcome of this match will not only determine whether Inter can secure back-to-back titles but also cement their legacy as one of Italy’s preeminent footballing forces in an era of intense competition.
After both sides slipped up last week, the Scudetto could still go either way—or even be decided by a playoff—as Italy’s top-flight season nears its climax. Last weekend’s “Super Sunday” encapsulated the drama and unpredictability of this title race, with nine matches played simultaneously, each carrying its own weight in the broader narrative of Serie A. For Inter and Napoli, the day was a microcosm of their season-long struggle: moments of brilliance overshadowed by costly lapses. Inter’s 2-2 draw against Lazio at San Siro was a rollercoaster of emotions, a match that saw them squander a golden opportunity to leapfrog Napoli. Yann Bisseck’s goal just before halftime gave Inter the lead, only for Pedro to equalize for Lazio. Denzel Dumfries, a standout performer throughout the season, restored Inter’s advantage with a powerful header, raising hopes of a crucial victory. However, a late VAR decision turned the tide, penalizing Bisseck for a handball and allowing the 38-year-old Pedro to convert a dramatic penalty. The sting of that equalizer was compounded when Marko Arnautovic missed a gilt-edged chance to win the game in the dying seconds, leaving Inter to rue their missed opportunities. Meanwhile, Napoli’s goalless draw against Parma kept them in pole position but highlighted their own vulnerabilities. The possibility of a playoff looms large if Napoli lose and Inter draw, a scenario that would see both teams finish level on 79 points. Such an outcome would be a fittingly theatrical conclusion to a season defined by twists, turns, and unrelenting pressure, with both clubs pushed to their limits by the demands of domestic and European competition.
Serie A’s “Super Sunday” certainly delivered, with neither drama nor controversy in short supply as Inter and Napoli continued their close-fought scrap for the title. The weekend’s events underscored the fine margins that have characterized this title race, with both teams faltering under the weight of expectation. For Inter, the Lazio draw was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly given the context of their season. The Nerazzurri have been a force to be reckoned with, blending attacking flair with defensive resilience, yet their inability to close out games on the road has been a recurring issue. Earlier in the season, Inter were virtually unstoppable away from home, rattling off eight consecutive victories with seven clean sheets. However, their form has dipped in recent months, with only two wins in their last eight away matches, a statistic that casts a shadow over their trip to Como. The Stadio Sinigaglia, while not the most intimidating venue in Serie A, will be far from a straightforward assignment. Como, under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, have defied expectations in their return to the top flight, securing a top-half finish and playing with a confidence that belies their status as a newly promoted side. Inter’s historical dominance over Como—eight straight league wins, including a 2-0 victory in December—offers some comfort, but the current context suggests a far more competitive encounter. Inzaghi’s challenge is to galvanize his squad, many of whom are still basking in the glow of their Champions League semi-final heroics against Barcelona, while ensuring they remain focused on the immediate task of overcoming a resilient opponent.
For their part, the defending champions spurned a great chance to reclaim first place with one round remaining, their draw against Lazio encapsulating the highs and lows of their campaign. Bisseck’s opener and Dumfries’ header showcased Inter’s attacking potency, but the late collapse highlighted a fragility that has occasionally crept into their performances. The handball decision against Bisseck, confirmed by VAR, was a moment of controversy that sparked heated debate among fans and pundits alike, with some questioning the consistency of officiating in such high-stakes moments. Pedro’s composure from the penalty spot, at the age of 38, was a reminder of the veteran’s enduring quality, while Arnautovic’s miss in the final seconds epitomized Inter’s struggles to convert chances at critical junctures. Inzaghi, a manager known for his tactical flexibility and ability to inspire his players, will need to rally his squad for one final push. The return of key players like Lautaro Martinez and Davide Frattesi, both of whom resumed full training on Thursday, provides a significant boost, though injuries to Benjamin Pavard and Piotr Zielinski may force Inzaghi to shuffle his lineup. The decision to potentially rest key players, with the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain looming eight days later, adds another layer of complexity to Inzaghi’s preparations. Balancing the immediate demands of the Como match with the long-term goal of European glory will test Inter’s depth and resilience, qualities that have defined their season but will be pushed to the limit in this final week.
While Antonio Conte’s Napoli are at home to Cagliari, Simone Inzaghi’s men must visit Lombardy rivals Como, wrapping up an eventful domestic campaign in a match that could shape their legacy. Como, sitting comfortably in 10th place with 49 points, have been one of the surprise packages of the season, defying expectations under Fabregas’ astute leadership. Their recent form, including three consecutive home wins while conceding just one goal, suggests they will not roll over for Inter. The absence of key players like top scorer Assane Diao, Alberto Dossena, Sergi Roberto, and the suspended Edoardo Goldaniga presents challenges for Como, but the emergence of Nico Paz as a creative force—six goals and eight assists—gives them hope of causing an upset. The retirement of veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who will play his final match at 42, adds an emotional subplot to the game, with the Como faithful eager to give their stalwart a fitting send-off. For Inter, the challenge is clear: they must overcome a spirited opponent while keeping one eye on the bigger picture. Dumfries, with 11 goals and five assists across all competitions, will be crucial, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Inzaghi’s tactical acumen, honed through years of navigating high-pressure situations, will be put to the test as he seeks to outmaneuver Fabregas and secure the result that could clinch the title. The weight of history, the expectations of a passionate fanbase, and the specter of a playoff all hang in the balance as Inter prepare for a night that could define their season.
