Monday night football in Serie A brings an intriguing clash as Como welcome Genoa to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Both sides are eager to bounce back after suffering defeats just before the recent international break, and the stage is set for a match that could shape early-season fortunes for both clubs.
Como, under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, have been one of the more talked-about teams in Italy’s top flight this year. The Lariani kicked off their campaign in style, dispatching Lazio 2-0 at home with an impressive attacking performance. Nico Paz, the Argentine playmaker at the heart of Como’s midfield, dazzled with a goal and an assist in that opener. His ability to dictate play, slice open defenses with diagonal balls, and keep the tempo high has quickly made him indispensable. As one analyst put it, “His vision and passing range are central to Como’s attacking strategy.”
However, Como’s second outing was less fruitful. Away at Bologna, Fabregas’s men struggled to break down a disciplined, man-oriented pressing system. The result: a 1-0 defeat and a reminder that even the most ambitious projects in Serie A will face setbacks. Despite dominating possession at times, Como’s attack lacked the penetration seen in their opening match. The challenge now is to rediscover that spark against a Genoa side known for defensive grit.
Fabregas’s tactical approach is rooted in high pressing and quick transitions. The addition of Álvaro Morata in the summer transfer window has given Como a proven goal scorer and a forward with intelligent movement. Morata’s ability to link play and find space in the box could be crucial against Genoa’s organized back line. Yet, Como aren’t without their injury woes. Defenders Alberto Dossena (ACL) and Ignace Van der Brempt (thigh) are sidelined, as is last season’s teenage sensation Assane Diao (foot). Brazilian center-back Diego Carlos, a deadline-day signing, is expected to provide reinforcement at the back. The probable starting eleven features Butez in goal, with Vojvoda, Kempf, Ramón, and Valle forming the defensive line. The midfield could see Perrone and Da Cunha holding, with Rodriguez, Paz, and possibly Kuhn supporting Douvikas up front.
Speaking of Douvikas, the Greek striker has been in fine form, netting three goals in as many appearances across all competitions this season. He opened the scoring against Lazio and looks set to play a pivotal role once again. His knack for finding space and finishing chances makes him a constant threat, and bookmakers have tipped him as a likely scorer or provider in this matchup.
Genoa, meanwhile, arrive in Lombardy still searching for their first Serie A goal of the season. Under Patrick Vieira’s stewardship, the Grifone opened with a frustrating 0-0 home draw against Lecce, followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Juventus. Despite dominating possession and displaying high passing accuracy, Genoa have struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their expected goals (xG) figures—0.50 and 0.55 in the first two matches—paint a picture of a team lacking creativity and incisiveness in the final third.
Vieira has instilled a patient, possession-based style, but execution in attack has been wanting. The defense, however, remains solid. Genoa frustrated Juventus for long stretches, conceding only to a set-piece header by Dusan Vlahovic. The club’s only significant injury concern is Danish center-back Sebastian Otoa, who continues to recover from a muscle problem. Otherwise, the squad is close to full strength. The expected lineup includes Leali in goal; a back four of Norton-Cuffy, Ostigard, Vasquez, and Martin; Frendrup and Masini anchoring midfield; and Carboni, Stanciu, and Gronbaek supporting Colombo up front.
Genoa’s away record leaves much to be desired, with just one win in their last eleven league trips. Their last visit to Como ended in a 1-0 defeat, and they have failed to win any of their previous four visits to the Sinigaglia. The head-to-head record between these two sides is tight, with three of the last four meetings ending in draws. History, then, seems to favor Como, who have also won five of their last six home matches stretching back to last season.
Bookmakers see Como as clear favorites, offering odds around 8/13 for a home win, while Genoa are priced as outsiders at 4/1. A draw is considered less likely but not out of the question, with odds hovering around 5/2. The consensus among analysts and punters alike is that goals could be at a premium. All four combined league matches played by these teams so far this season have finished with under 2.5 goals, and that trend is expected to continue. Defensive discipline, patient buildup, and the occasional flash of attacking brilliance could define the evening.
From a tactical standpoint, Como’s pressing and quick transitions will test Genoa’s ability to play out from the back. The hosts’ investment in attacking talent is likely to pay dividends if they can find pockets of space behind Genoa’s disciplined midfield. For Genoa, the challenge is to turn possession into genuine scoring opportunities—something that’s been sorely lacking so far. Vieira’s men will look to exploit any over-commitment by Como, but a cautious approach seems likely.
On the individual front, Nico Paz’s continued form is vital for Como. The Argentine international, who reportedly attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur over the summer, has contributed to four goals in his last five league outings. For Genoa, much depends on whether Colombo can break his scoring drought, with support from new arrivals like Carboni and Stanciu. Lorenzo Colombo’s physicality and willingness to press defenders could cause problems, but he’ll need better service if Genoa hope to find the net.
As for the managers, the meeting between Fabregas and Vieira adds an extra layer of intrigue. Former Arsenal teammates, both are now tasked with guiding their respective clubs to greater heights in Serie A. Fabregas’s ambitions for European qualification are well documented, while Vieira faces pressure to improve Genoa’s away form and attacking output.
With both sides eager to return to winning ways, Monday’s encounter promises to be a tactical chess match. Como’s home advantage and attacking flair make them slight favorites, but Genoa’s defensive resilience ensures nothing will come easy. Will Como’s creativity finally unlock Genoa’s defense, or can Vieira’s men snatch a first league win on the road? The answer will unfold under the Sinigaglia lights as Serie A’s third round continues.
For now, all eyes are on Como and Genoa as they seek to define their seasons—one patient build-up, one high press, and perhaps one moment of magic at a time.
