Como vs Inter: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 03 March 2026
On Tuesday, the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Como will host the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, as Como welcome Inter Milan. For the hosts, this is a historic chance to reach the final for the first time ever, while for the Nerazzurri, it’s an opportunity to salvage their season after being knocked out of the Champions League and to wisely manage their resources ahead of the upcoming Milan derby. Here’s my take on how this clash could unfold.
Match preview
Cesc Fabregas’s side is no longer just a romantic project for the future – this is now a mature squad with a clear footballing identity and European ambitions. Their path to the semi-final was no fluke: Como defeated Südtirol (3-1), Sassuolo (3-0), Fiorentina (3-1), and then stunned defending Serie A champions Napoli (1-1, 7-6 on penalties). That kind of scalp brings not only confidence but also a sense that there are no more limits.
Fabregas will approach this cup tie with targeted rotation: Nico Paz and Alex Valle, who were benched against Lecce (3-1), are expected to return to the starting lineup, as is Diego Carlos in central defense – a forced move due to Kempf's injury. The absences of Addai and Baturina limit options, but the main intrigue is psychological: in three matches since joining the top flight, Como have yet to score against Inter (0-2, 0-2, 0-4). At this point, it’s about more than tactics – it’s about pride.
After a painful Champions League exit at the hands of Bodo/Glimt, Inter responded like professionals – dispatching Genoa 2-0 with minimal fuss. Cristian Chivu’s team is now fully focused on domestic competitions: they have a comfortable lead over Milan in Serie A, and in the cup, the goal is clear – reach the final, just as they did in their victorious 2022/23 campaign (2-1 against Fiorentina). The only question is how much energy will be invested in this first leg given the congested schedule.
Bastoni returns after suspension, Calhanoglu is ready to start, and the midfield could feature a powerhouse trio with Barella and Zielinski. Up front, expect the partnership of Thuram and Esposito, while Lautaro Martinez remains sidelined. And there’s an almost mystical factor: Inter haven’t won an away match in the Coppa Italia in regular time since 2016 – seven draws and one loss in that span. With the derby looming, a pragmatic approach seems likely.
Probable lineups
- Como: Buté, Valle, Carlos Santos, Ramon, Smolcic, da Cunha, Perrone, Rodriguez, Paz, Vojvoda, Douvikas.
- Inter: Sommer, Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni, Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sučić, Dimarco, Thuram, Esposito.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Como knocked out Napoli from the Coppa Italia (1-1, 7-6 on penalties) and reached the semi-finals for the first time in club history.
- Inter have not won an away Coppa Italia match in regular time since 2016 – seven draws and one defeat during this span.
- In three head-to-head meetings since Como’s promotion to Serie A, Inter have won all three without conceding – 2-0, 2-0, and 4-0.
Prediction
Como play with courage and structure at home, and the emotional charge of a historic semi-final could push the hosts toward their most ambitious performance yet. However, Inter know how to keep cup ties tight – especially with a derby and a packed schedule on the horizon. Considering the Nerazzurri’s away record in this competition and the maturity of Fabregas’s project, a low-scoring draw in the first leg wouldn’t be a shock, but rather a logical development in this story.
