Como vs. Verona: three points needed
After a 0-0 draw against Parma at the Tardini, Como return to action in front of their fans against Verona. Fabregas’ side haven’t lost since the end of August, but they will need to step up further if they are to challenge for a place in Europe. Verona, meanwhile, were pegged back at the death by Cagliari on Sunday and are still searching for their first league win of the season as they look to move away from the relegation zone.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The sides have met 30 times in Como, with the Lariani holding a clear advantage: 15 victories (most recently a 3-2 triumph last season), nine draws (the last being a 1-1 stalemate in the 2010/11 Lega Pro), and six Scaligeri wins (latest: a 2-0 Coppa Italia success in 2004/05). Last season's 3-2 victory marked Como's first home win upon their return to Serie A after a 23-year absence. Cutrone's brace and Belotti sealed the points, with Lazović and Lambourde replying for the Gialloblu. Verona have never won in Como across seven Serie A meetings: three home victories and four draws. Their last league triumph on Como’ soil came in Serie B in June 2004, with Adailton netting twice.
DID YOU KNOW?
This fixture is played in honour of Osvaldo Bagnoli, who managed Como from January 1976 to June 1977 before famously guiding Verona to the Scudetto in 1984/85. Verona haven't scored away in Serie A for 287 minutes. Their sole away goal this term came from Serdar in the 59th minute of a 1-1 draw at Udinese on Matchday 1.
COACHES and PLAYERS
This is the third official encounter retweet Cesc FÃ bregas and Paolo Zanetti: the Como boss claimed one victory, with one draw from last season's double-header. Nico Paz is the player who has committed the most fouls (23) in this Serie A season. Gift Orban is the player who has recorded the most shots (26) in this Serie A season.
DISCIPLINE
Squalificati: nessuno Diffidati: nessuno
REFEREE
MARCENARO (ROSSI C. – BIANCHINI) IV: PERRI, VAR: SERRA, AVAR: GIUA
UPCOMING MATCHES IN SERIE A
Napoli-Como (Saturday 1 November, 18.00 CET) Verona-Inter (Sunday 2 November, 12.30 CET) (Photo Getty Images)