AC Milan is eager to return to winning ways as they prepare to face Como at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on January 14, 2025. Having experienced ups and downs this season, the Rossoneri, managed by Sérgio Conceição, are aiming for three points to bolster their quest for Champions League football.
This Serie A clash has been eagerly anticipated due to its local derby nature, as both teams hail from the Lombardy region. The significance of this match has only heightened, considering the contrasting fortunes of the two sides. Como, currently hovering just above the relegation zone, finds themselves fighting for survival.
Como boasts notable players such as Patrick Cutrone, who has proven to be the team’s talisman. This season, he has managed to score seven goals and provide three assists across all competitions. His ability to hold off defenders and score under pressure makes him key to Como’s attacking threat.
On the other hand, Milan's star players include Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão, who both offer significant attacking prowess. Pulisic has shone this season, netting ten goals and assisting on seven. Meanwhile, Leão's agility and quick footwork pose challenges for even the best defenses.
The match will kick off at 18:30 CET and is part of Matchday 19, which had to be rescheduled due to the Supercoppa Italiana, where Milan recently triumphed over Juventus. A draw against Cagliari was less than ideal for the Rossoneri, leaving them with the pressure of needing to secure points against lower-ranked opponents.
Como has shown some resilience, managing to draw 1-1 against Lazio, and winning two of their last three games, including a notable 2-0 victory against Roma. Cesc Fàbregas, Como’s manager, has noted improvements and hints at the team being ready for the challenge posed by Milan. "AC Milan changed something after their change of Coach, I expect them to be even more aggressive. They will press us and try to play vertically, we will be ready to give our all," said Fàbregas.
Current league standings position Como at 16th with 19 points from 19 matches, indicating their struggle for consistency this season, with four wins, seven draws, and eight losses. For Milan, sitting eighth with 28 points, winning this match is pivotal if they are to bridge the gap to Champions League qualification. They remain one point behind Bologna and are vying for the opportunity to advance.
Team news reveals significant injury concerns for both squads. Como's Nico Paz is limited to the bench due to ankle issues, impacting the team’s attacking depth. Milan, meanwhile, will miss talented players like Rubin Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor, complicate their selection options as they seek to solidify their midfield and attack.
Historically, AC Milan has dominated this fixture, holding sway with 17 wins out of 32 matches against Como, last claiming victory back in May 2003. Players like Pippo Insaghi and Alessandro Nesta were instrumental in past encounters, setting the bar high for the current crop of Rossoneri players.
Como's chances of success on their home turf have improved lately, making their ground a fortress by winning the last two home matches against Roma and Lecce. They aim to capitalize on this form against the Rossoneri, who have seen mixed results away from home, winning only three out of eight matches with equal measures of goals scored and conceded.
Bearers of Italy’s elite football tradition, both sides are bringing their A-game, with Como striving to stave off relegation and Milan eager to make their mark on the league. The result of this derby could change the narrative for either side, underscoring the passion tied to their shared history.
Looking forward, predictions point to AC Milan as the favorites, particularly due to their higher goal-scoring rate away from home, averaging 1.9 goals per game. Como's ability to recover from losing positions signals potential for both teams to find the net, leading to expectations of multiple goals within the 90 minutes.
Matchday 19's thrilling showdown is not just about the points on the table; it’s also about pride and proving their mettle within the league. With stakes this high, both teams are set for battle, making the upcoming clash one of the season’s most compelling fixtures.