Preview: Como vs Sudtirol - prediction, team news, lineups

Intent on challenging Italy's top order this season, Como will start their quest for a first piece of major silverware on Saturday, when they host Sudtirol in round one of the Coppa Italia.

Having invested heavily again, the Lariani may soon be targeting trophies, and their best chance will certainly come in the cup.

Match preview

Towards the end of a highly successful Serie A comeback campaign, Como won six straight games to gatecrash last term's top 10, backing up the lofty aims of their affluent owners.

Under rookie coach Cesc Fabregas, the Lariani finished 10th after recovering from a slow start, ultimately impressing on their return to Italy's elite level.

After two decades away, the Lombardy side made some high-profile signings last summer, before investing significant sums in mid-season; showing no lack of ambition, they are now splashing the cash once again.

Spain striker Alvaro Morata - a former teammate of Fabregas - recently joined Jesus Rodriguez and Croatian talent Martin Baturina in the squad, and Como aim to stay in Serie A's top half for many years to come.

Having previously beaten Lille, Ajax, Al-Ahli and Real Betis in pre-season, they suffered a 5-0 thumping by Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday, but that is unlikely to hit their confidence too hard.

After being dumped out of the cup by struggling Sampdoria this time last year, the Biancoblu now begin their 2025-26 campaign with back-to-back home fixtures, taking on Sudtirol shortly before hosting Lazio.

Sudtirol have only won one of these teams' last four meetings - all of which took place in Serie B over the past few years - and they will start Saturday's clash as clear underdogs.

Not only have the Biancorossi never lifted the Coppa Italia, they have yet to even taste the rarefied air of Serie A throughout a mostly amateur history - in fact, they are currently punching above their weight.

The side from South Tyrol finished 10th in Italy's second tier last term, falling short of the playoffs for a second straight season, so Fabrizio Castori's team will be targeting a promotion push in the months ahead.

Before kicking off their new league campaign away to Catanzaro, first they face an enticing tie in the cup: after thrashing local side Virtus Bolzano 10-0 in midweek, the Tirolesi now hope to upset their top-flight hosts at Stadio Sinigaglia.

However, having gone out in the first round to Sampdoria and Monza of late, that seems a very tall order.

Como pre-season form: W W W W L

Sudtirol pre-season form: D L W

Team News

Before finally getting the Morata deal over the line, Como's many arrivals included Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic, Dutch winger Jayden Addai and ex-Real Madrid defender Jacobo Ramon - all three should be involved this weekend.

Only long-term absentee Alberto Dossena is unavailable due to injury, but it remains to be seen whether Cesc Fabregas picks his strongest team, with an eye on Lazio's visit next week.

Following Pepe Reina's retirement, the hosts' undisputed first-choice goalkeeper is Jean Butez, but Mauro Vigorito may be given a chance to impress in the cup.

Meanwhile, Sudtirol will be missing Frederic Veseli, who suffered a hamstring tear in the recent friendly against Hellas Verona, while Karim Zedadka is still on the long road back from injuring his ACL.

The Tirolesi have also seen striker Gabriele Gori return to Avellino, so Raphael Odogwu and Silvio Merkaj could join forces up front.

Como possible starting lineup: Vigorito; Vojvoda, Ramon, Goldaniga, Moreno; Perrone, Da Cunha; Rodriguez, Paz, Diao; Cutrone

Sudtirol possible starting lineup: Adamonis; Molina, Masiello, Pietrangeli, Kofler, Davi; Martini, Coulibaly, Casiraghi; Merkaj, Odogwu

We say: Como 2-0 Sudtirol

After Bologna lifted the Coppa Italia last term, Como may believe they can go all the way this season, and they can take the first step towards Rome on Saturday.

Blessed with a deep and talented squad, Cesc Fabregas can even afford to rotate and still field a team that will sweep aside Sudtirol.

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