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

Big-spending Como will host cash-strapped Lazio on the first matchday of the new Serie A season, as the teams meet at Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday.

While the Lariani are looking to build on a promising top-flight return last term, their counterparts from the capital have asked a familiar face to guide them through choppy waters.

Match preview

Como are preparing to play back-to-back Serie A seasons for the first time since the early 1990s, having won six straight games towards the end of a successful comeback campaign.

Helped by the generosity of affluent owners, rookie coach Cesc Fabregas ultimately led the Lariani to 10th place in the final standings after recovering from a slow start.

After two decades away from Calcio's top table, Como made some high-profile signings last year, before investing significant sums again in mid-season; keen to press for a place in Europe, they have splashed the cash once again this summer.

Alvaro Morata - a former international teammate of Fabregas - recently joined La Liga talents Jesus Rodriguez and Jacobo Ramon in the squad, and there is a significant Spanish influence at the Lombardy club.

Having previously beaten Lille, Ajax, Al-Ahli and Real Betis in pre-season, they then suffered a 5-0 loss to Barcelona, before bouncing back with a win in their first competitive contest.

Como began the 2025-26 campaign with a 3-1 Coppa Italia victory over Sudtirol, and they now face a tough league opener at home to Lazio.

The Biancoblu may have lost 5-1 to their Roman rivals at the Sinigaglia last October, but they have come a very long way since then.

Indeed, the teams' most recent meeting was January's close-fought 1-1 draw at Stadio Olimpico, so Lazio will certainly not take Como lightly.

Like their opening-day hosts, the Biancocelesti are aiming for a place in Europe, but returning boss Maurizio Sarri has had his hands tied in the transfer market.

After imploding at the end of last season and missing out on continental qualification, Lazio parted ways with former coach Marco Baroni, and Sarri strode back into the club he left in March 2024.

Within days, he was confronted by a transfer embargo that instantly scuppered his transfer plans, yet the ex-Chelsea coach stated his intent to stay on and fight for a top-six finish.

Without the 'distraction' of midweek football to concern him, that may be achievable, and finishing off pre-season with friendly wins over Burnley and Atromitos has slightly brightened the mood.

Having have won five of their last six Serie A openers, precedent will also be on Lazio's side this weekend - but even taking a point home to Rome may be considered a good result.

Como form (all competitions): W

Lazio pre-season form: W L D W W

Team News

In addition to the headline-grabbing capture of Alvaro Morata, Como's many arrivals include Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic, Dutch forward Jayden Addai and Croatia international Martin Baturina.

However, Kuhn may not be involved on Sunday, as he is struggling for full fitness following an injury issue; long-term absentee Alberto Dossena is certainly ruled out.

With plenty of firepower at his disposal, it remains to be seen whether Fabregas picks Morata or Tasos Douvikas - the latter of whom scored twice against Sudtirol - up front.

Despite only signing in January, Spanish winger Assane Diao was Como's top scorer last term with eight league goals, while Lazio's main marksmen were Taty Castellanos and Pedro, who finished on 10 apiece.

En route to hitting double figures, Castellanos bagged a brace at the Sinigaglia last October, and he is set to feature alongside captain Mattia Zaccagni in the visitors' attacking trident.

While Gustav Isaksen has been laid low by illness, Samuel Gigot and Patric are absent due to injury; as Alessio Romagnoli must serve a suspension, that leaves Sarri a little light in defence.

Como possible starting lineup: Butez; Vojvoda, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Rodriguez, Paz, Diao; Morata

Lazio possible starting lineup: Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Cancellieri, Castellanos, Zaccagni

We say: Como 2-1 Lazio

Como could win on the opening matchday of a Serie A season for the first time since 1951, providing they show their trademark intensity.

Sarri may be the master to Fabregas's apprentice, but the younger coach can prevail on Sunday evening, when their visitors will be missing key defenders.

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