Como kick off their Serie A campaign at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia against Lazio in what should be an entertaining opener. The hosts are aiming to build on a fine campaign last season, while the capital club are targeting a strong start for a European finish.
Como impressed on their return to the top flight last season, finishing 10th in Serie A and racking up famous wins along the way. They managed to hold on to manager Cesc Fabregas despite interest from top clubs and also strengthened, with Nicolas Kuhn and the experienced Alvaro Morata among the arrivals.
I Lariani were solid in preseason, winning four of their five friendly matches. They also began competitive action on a positive note, picking up a 3-1 home victory over Sudtirol in the Coppa Italia first round last weekend.
Lazio head into their Serie A opener eager to put down an early marker after enduring a frustrating campaign last season. They finished seventh in the league, missing out on European football, and also failed to make an impact in the cup competitions.
It has not been a particularly busy transfer window for Lazio, with Nicolo Rovella from Juventus the major arrival. Maurizio Sarri’s men were unbeaten in four of their five preseason matches, picking up a 2-0 victory over Greek side Atromitos in their final friendly.
How the bookies view it: Slight edge for Como
Como have the edge among the bookies and are priced at 13/10 by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Lazio is valued at 7/4 while a draw is set at odds of 9/4.
Head to head: No defeats for Lazio
Lazio have never lost in this fixture, with three wins and one draw from four previous matches against Como. Last season’s meeting at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia ended in a 5-1 victory for the capital club.
Players to watch: Zaccagni the danger man
Taty Castellanos scored 10 Serie A goals last season and will be keen to make a strong start to this campaign. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime for Lazio (Taty Castellanos anytime goalscorer – 15/8 with BoyleSports).
Anastasios Douvikas looks set to lead the line for Como this season and netted a brace in their last outing. The Greek striker will be the one to watch for the hosts (Anastasios Douvikas anytime goalscorer – priced at 15/8).
Probable line-ups:
Como are likely to stick with Jean Butez in goal, while Marc-Oliver Kempf and Jacobo Ramon should feature at the back. The midfield should have Lucas Da Cunha alongside Nico Paz and Sergio Roberto, while Douvikas and Assane Diao are set to feature in attack.
For Lazio, Christos Mandas should keep his place in goal, with Adam Marusic and Alessio Romagnoli in defence. Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella could be paired in midfield, with Zaccagni, Castellanos and Matteo Cancellieri expected to play up front.
Como: Butez, Vojvoda, Ramon, Kempf, Moreno, Paz, Roberto, Da Cunha, Diao, Addai, Douvikas
Lazio: Mandas; Marusic, Provstgaard, Romagnoli, Tavares, Guendouzi, Rovella, Cancellieri, Dele-Bashiru, Zaccagni, Castellanos
Anything else catch the eye?
Como and Lazio both scored in their two meetings last season (BTTS YES – priced at 7/10 with BoyleSports). The hosts have seen over 2.5 goals in their last six matches ( Over 2.5 goals – offered at 10/11).
Como have opened the scoring in three of their last four Serie A home matches (Como to score first – available at 10/11).
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