September 15, 2025
Under the floodlights of the picturesque Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, newly promoted Como welcome Genoa to Lake Como for a mouthwatering Serie A Matchday 3 encounter on September 15, 2025. Kick-off is at 20:45 CEST, as the Lariani chase their first Serie A victory of the 2025-26 season. The Rossoblù, meanwhile, seek to build on a gritty start and climb the Serie A standings. This Como vs Genoa preview blends promotion dreams with veteran resilience—expect fireworks in this Serie A football clash.
Recent Form: Como's Promise vs Genoa's Grit
Como's return to the top flight has been a mix of promise and peril. They kicked off with a spirited 1-1 draw at Juventus—a creditable point against the Old Lady—before a 2-0 home defeat to Inter Milan highlighted defensive lapses. Sitting 15th with one point from two games, Como have scored in both outings but conceded three, showing attacking intent but vulnerability at the back. Last season's Serie B champions remain unbeaten in their last five home games across all competitions.
Genoa, under new boss Alberto Gilardino, have steadied the ship after years of mid-table mediocrity. A hard-fought 1-0 win over Lecce on Matchday 1 showcased their defensive solidity, followed by a 2-2 thriller away to Bologna where they twice came from behind. With four points, the Grifone lurk in 8th place in Serie A, having kept one clean sheet and netted four goals. They've won just once in their last eight Serie A matches, but that victory signals improvement.
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Como | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Genoa | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
Current Serie A standings (as of September 15, 2025)
Head-to-Head: Rare Meetings, Recent Edge to Genoa
These northern Italian sides have met just 12 times historically, with Genoa dominating: seven wins to Como's three, and two draws. The last clash, a 2-1 Genoa victory in Serie B back in 2003, underscores the Grifone's edge. In Serie A, Genoa won both previous encounters (1997 and 2000), both 1-0 shutouts. Over the last five H2H games (all comps), it's three Genoa wins, one draw, and one Como triumph, with under 2.5 goals in four. Como's home record against Genoa is winless in three (two losses, one draw), but the Sinigaglia's fortress-like atmosphere could inspire an upset.
Team News: Returns and Risks
Como
Cesc Fàbregas' side boosts with the return of captain Simone Verdi from suspension, slotting into midfield alongside Nico Paz and Łukasz Kowalski. Striker Assane Diao is doubtful with a knock, so expect Patrick Cutrone to lead the line with support from Gabriel Strefezza. No major injuries, but new signing Oliver Abildgaard could debut in defense. A fluid 4-3-3 is likely, with Pierluigi Gollini in goal.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Gollini; Golding, Dossena, Barba, Corrado; Baselli, Bellemo, Paz; Strefezza, Cutrone, Da Cunha.
Genoa
Gilardino has Ruslan Malinovskyi back from international duty, potentially replacing Morten Frendrup in midfield. Forward Andrea Pinamonti is fit after a minor issue, challenging Caleb Ekuban up top. Defensively, Aarón Martín and Morten Thorsby anchor, but Johan Vásquez remains sidelined with a hamstring strain. Expect a 3-4-2-1 to counter Como's width, with Josep Martínez between the sticks.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Martínez; De Winter, Bani, Martín; Zanoli, Badelj, Frendrup, Miranda; Messias, Retegui; Pinamonti.
Key Battles and Tactical Insights
- Midfield Mastery: Paz vs Badelj – Como's young Spaniard must outwit Genoa's Croatian veteran to control tempo.
- Forward Flair: Cutrone vs De Winter – The ex-Wolves striker's hold-up play will test the Dutch defender's positioning.
- Wings Watch: Strefezza vs Zanoli – Both full-backs push high; expect overlapping runs and crosses galore.
Fàbregas' possession-based approach (55% avg) meets Gilardino's counter-punch style, with Como's home pressing potentially forcing errors from Genoa's back three.
Prediction: A Tense stalemate?
Como's debutant energy clashes with Genoa's experience, but the hosts' home form and H2H drought suggest caution. Recent trends show over 2.5 goals in three of Genoa's last five and Como's attacking intent, but tight defenses point to few chances. We tip a 1-1 draw, with both sides sharing spoils to boost morale. Betting tip: Under 2.5 Goals at -110 odds.
Will Como spark joy by the lake, or will Genoa's griffin soar? Catch