Overview
Inter Milan ended their rare winless streak with a 5-2 victory over AS Roma last weekend, thereby widening the gap at the top of Serie A.
Lautaro Martinez shone brightly when returning to the main squad. Inter opened the score after only one minute, with a goal from the Argentine captain right after the opponent's goalkeeper made a mistake.
Martinez then continued to score an important goal, taking advantage of Hakan Calhanoglu's beautiful long-range finish. Meanwhile, Marcus Thuram not only scored with his head but also contributed two assists, contributing to helping coach Cristian Chivu win an impressive victory against his old team.
In the championship race, Inter is in a big advantage. After AC Milan lost to Napoli, the gap between the two teams has widened to 7 points when the season is only 7 rounds left.
In the 21st century, it is rare for the Serie A leader with more than 70 points in this period to lose the championship. Therefore, only a major collapse can cause Nerazzurri to drop the Scudetto.
Not stopping there, Chivu's first season also opened up the opportunity to win a domestic double when Inter was preparing to enter the second leg of the Coppa Italy semi-final against Como.
In the immediate future, Inter will travel to the Sinigaglia stadium - where the two teams drew 0-0 in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final last month. In that match, Como controlled the ball better and created more dangerous opportunities.
However, Inter still has an advantage in head-to-head matches. Since Como returned to Serie A, they have defeated opponents in all 3 matches with a total score of 8-0, including a 4-0 victory at the beginning of the season.
After many years playing in lower divisions, Como has now transformed strongly. Their last victory against Inter in Sinigaglia took place in 1985, but currently, the Lombardy team has become a formidable opponent.
Under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, Como is competing fiercely for a spot in the Champions League, along with Juventus, Roma and Atalanta.
Despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Udinese, ending a 5-match winning streak, Como still showed impressive form when winning all 3 recent home matches and scoring 10 goals.
2026 is a memorable time for Como. Controlled and proactive play helps them make an impression against many strong opponents, but also contains risks when facing experienced teams like Inter.
In fact, Fabregas has not yet been able to win against Inter as a coach - a team that considered appointing him before choosing Chivu.
Personnel situation
Lautaro Martinez has just returned from injury but continues to have thigh muscle problems and will be absent from this match. Inter also does not have the service of Yann Bisseck, but Chivu may welcome the return of Carlos Augusto after suspension.
In the first leg, Augusto, Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu all scored against Como.
A notable point in terms of expertise is the long-range shooting ability of the two teams. Both Inter and Como have scored 10 goals from outside the penalty area - the highest achievement in Serie A this season.
On the Como side, Nico Paz stood out with 5 goals from medium to long range, showing danger in second-line finishing situations.
Assane Diao is also making his mark when he becomes the 16th player to score for Como this season. Meanwhile, key striker Tasos Douvikas is in stable form with 5 recent goals in the tournament all scored at home.
Expected lineup:
Como: Butez, Smolcic, Carlos, Kempf, Valle, Perrone, Da Cunha, Vojvoda, Paz, Baturina, Douvikas.
Inter Milan: Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco, Thuram, Esposito.
The match between Como and Inter Milan takes place at 1:45 a.m. April 13 (Vietnam time).
