Sassuolo vs Como: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 17.04.2026
One of the fixtures in the upcoming Serie A round will take place on Friday at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, where Sassuolo will host Como. The matchup promises to be particularly intriguing given the contrasting ambitions of the two sides: the hosts have already delivered a commendable season, while the visitors are still in pursuit of a truly high finish. Here’s my take on the likely outcome of this encounter.
Match preview
Sassuolo approach this fixture with the pressure of the season’s run-in largely lifted from their shoulders. Fabio Grosso’s side have avoided a spring collapse and even held their own against top-class opponents: after defeats to Lazio (1-2) and Bologna (0-1), they managed to beat Atalanta (2-1) and draw with Juventus (1-1).
However, the hosts are currently facing some personnel issues that could impact their game plan. Suspensions for Domenico Berardi and Josh Doig hit two key areas at once, meaning Sassuolo will have to look for less familiar solutions on the flanks, where a lack of experience and chemistry could become especially noticeable.
Como, on the other hand, travel with a burning internal motivation and the sense that this season could still become historic. Even a 3-4 defeat to Inter didn’t sour the overall impression: Cesc Fàbregas’ men once again displayed boldness, verticality, and a rare confidence in their own ideas for this stage of the campaign.
It’s also important to note that the visitors maintain a solid squad balance, with any issues being more isolated than systemic. Como have yet to lose away from home in 2026, and after a powerful eight-match unbeaten run, it feels like this team has learned not only how to play bravely, but also how to control the tempo according to the opponent’s stature.
Probable lineups
- Sassuolo: Muric, Garcia, Muharemovic, Idzes, Walukiewicz, Thorstvedt, Matic, Kone, Laurienté, Pinamonti, Volpato
- Como: Butez, Ignace Van der Brempt, Carlos Santos, Ramon, Moreno, Roberto, Perrone, Diao, Paz, Baturina, Douvikas
Match facts and head-to-head
- In their last four Serie A matches, Sassuolo beat Atalanta and drew with Juventus, but lost to Lazio and Bologna.
- Como come into this clash after an eight-match unbeaten streak, which was only broken in a high-scoring affair with Inter (3-4).
- In 2026, Como have yet to suffer an away defeat in the league, making them a particularly dangerous opponent for a squad dealing with personnel losses.
Prediction
This match is tricky for Sassuolo, especially in the finer details: the team looks organized, but the absence of Berardi and Doig could blunt their attacking edge on the flanks and deprive the hosts of some usual combinations. Como currently look like a more cohesive and hungry side, capable of maintaining a high tempo and not losing their nerve even against top-tier opposition. Expect a tight contest where the visitors hold the upper hand thanks to their sharper form and stronger motivation. The optimal pick here is to back a "Como win" at odds of 1.68.
