Udinese to put Fabregas' team ambitions to the test: prediction for Udinese vs Como
The opening round of the Italian championship between Udinese and Como will take place on August 22, 2026, in Udine. The hosts come into the start of Serie A fresh off a victory in the Coppa Italia, while Cesc Fabregas' side begins the new season already boasting Champions League status.
Udinese: Runjaic's stability and first official triumph
Kosta Runjaic embarks on his third season at the helm of Udinese after a tenth-place finish last campaign. Ahead of the league opener, the team has already played an official match, edging Padova 1-0 in the Coppa Italia thanks to a goal from Keinan Davis.
Over the summer, the club parted ways with Arthur Atta and Thomas Kristensen, as well as Jordan Zemura, Martin Payero, and Iker Bravo. However, the squad has been reinforced by Unai Gomez and Mergim Vojvoda, and up front, the expected partnership of Nicolo Zaniolo and Davis will return.
Como: Fourth place changed the club's status
Last season was historic for Como: Fabregas' team finished fourth, surpassing both Milan and Juventus, and clinched a Champions League spot. Down the stretch, the Lombards won four out of their last five matches, and across the season, they posted the best clean sheet record in Serie A - 19 shutouts.
The key figures remain Nico Paz and Tasos Douvikas, who netted 14 goals in the league. Over the summer, Como bolstered their ranks with Trevoh Chalobah, Kayky, and Yan Couto, giving the visitors plenty of depth even with Jayden Addai sidelined.
Match facts
- Udinese finished last Serie A season in tenth place.
- Como claimed fourth place and recorded 19 clean sheets - the best tally in the league.
- The previous meeting between these sides in April ended 0-0.
The hosts can halt the favorites: Udinese vs Como prediction
Como have made significant strides and are now seen as one of Italy's most formidable sides, but an away opener is unlikely to be a walk in the park. Udinese are well-drilled under Runjaic and know how to play a pragmatic brand of football.
The visitors boast plenty of attacking firepower, but the hosts are already in competitive rhythm and can make things tough with their gritty style. The most logical outcome looks to be a close match, with the visitors holding a slight edge.
