Como vs Milan

AC Milan will aim to secure their first Serie A win of the new year when they travel to Como on Tuesday, hoping to close the gap in the race for a top-four finish. After a promising start to their season, the Rossoneri have struggled in recent weeks, and their momentum was halted with a disappointing draw at home to struggling Cagliari. However, the team has shown glimpses of their potential under new head coach Sergio Conceicao, who guided them to victory in his second match at the helm, securing the Supercoppa Italiana.

The appointment of Conceicao came after the departure of Paulo Fonseca, with Milan looking to turn their fortunes around after a rocky start to the season. The new manager’s impact was immediate, as he led the team to a memorable victory over Juventus and Inter Milan, recovering from deficits in both matches to claim the prestigious Supercoppa. This triumph, Milan’s first major silverware since winning the Scudetto in 2022, was a morale booster for the squad. The victory in Riyadh was a moment of celebration, and it seemed to reignite Milan's determination to challenge for the top spots in Serie A.

However, despite this early success, the Rossoneri have since struggled to build on that momentum. Their recent 1-1 draw against Cagliari at San Siro left them frustrated and disappointed. Milan took the lead early in the second half through a goal from Alvaro Morata, but their advantage was short-lived. Cagliari equalized just minutes later, and despite Milan's efforts, they could not find a winning goal. This result marked the third consecutive home draw for Milan in Serie A, which has raised concerns about their ability to maintain consistent form. If they are to salvage a top-four finish and secure a Champions League spot, Milan cannot afford to drop many more points, particularly with their less-than-ideal performances on the road.

Milan’s away form this season has been inconsistent at best, with the team managing just three wins, two draws, and three losses in their eight away matches. This record places them behind rivals Lazio, Fiorentina, and Juventus in the Serie A standings, and with several other teams vying for Champions League qualification, Milan’s margin for error is shrinking. Although they still have at least one game in hand over many of their competitors, Conceicao has been vocal about his desire for improvement. He has emphasized the need for his squad to raise their performance levels and show more consistency, especially in upcoming fixtures like their trip to Como.

Como, on the other hand, have made noticeable strides in their return to Serie A after spending the previous two decades in Italy's lower divisions. The club's revival has been marked by several promising performances, including a recent 1-1 draw against Lazio, where they secured a hard-fought point despite being a man down for much of the match. The draw was a significant result for Como, who have shown significant progress since their earlier heavy defeat to Lazio earlier in the season. Patrick Cutrone’s second-half goal earned them the draw, which was a testament to Como's improving resilience and growing belief in their ability to compete at the top level.

Despite sitting near the relegation zone, Como’s recent form suggests they are becoming a more difficult side to beat. They have lost only one of their last six matches, and this improved record has raised hopes for survival in Serie A. The club’s efforts have been underpinned by key players such as veteran midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who has brought experience and composure to the team. Como have also been more competitive at home, where they have picked up 12 points from a possible 24 so far this season. Their recent three-game unbeaten streak at the Sinigaglia Stadium further demonstrates their growing strength on home soil, and they will be hoping to extend this run when they face Milan.

For Como, this match represents a golden opportunity to claim a scalp against one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs. Their previous encounters with Milan in Serie A have not gone in their favor, with the team suffering defeats in the 2002-03 season. However, this time around, Como will approach the game with renewed confidence, buoyed by their recent performances and their improved standing in the league. Milan, on the other hand, will need to recover from their recent setbacks and ensure they are fully focused on securing a crucial away win to keep their top-four aspirations alive.

The challenge for Milan will be to shake off their recent frustrations and get back to winning ways. Conceicao will be looking for a response from his players, especially after their inability to claim all three points against Cagliari. The team has shown flashes of quality at times, but consistency has been their major issue. The manager will be hoping that his players can replicate their Supercoppa performances against Juventus and Inter Milan, but this time with a more clinical edge in front of goal.

Como’s recent form makes them a dangerous opponent, especially as they are playing with increasing confidence. Their resilience against Lazio and their growing strength at home will make them tough to break down, and Milan will need to be at their best to secure the win. The match promises to be an intriguing contest, with Como eager to prove themselves against a top club and Milan desperate for a victory to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

As the season progresses, every point counts for both teams, and this match could prove pivotal in determining their respective futures. For Milan, the pressure is on to deliver a strong performance and come away with the points, while Como will be looking to continue their upward trajectory and build on their recent successes. The outcome of this clash will have important implications for both teams, and fans can expect an exciting and closely contested battle on Tuesday.