Enzo Ebosse ↑46′ · Lennon Miller ↑71′ · Vakoun Issouf Bayo ↑72′ · Unai Gomez ↑85′ · Oier Zarraga ↑90′ · Saba Goglichidze · Sandi Lovric · Nicolo Bertola · Juan Arizala · Branimir Mlacic · Giulio Vinciati · David Pejicic · Daniele Padelli · Edoardo Piana · Christian Kabasele · Keinan Davis · Giorgi Chakvetadze · Alessandro Zanoli
Coach · Kosta Runjaic
Match Preview
Udinese vs Como Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-20 18:31 UTC
Udinese and Como open the new Serie A campaign at Bluenergy Stadium
The opening matchday of the new Serie A season brings a tactical test of patience and structure as Udinese host Como at the Bluenergy Stadium this Saturday. Both sides arrive looking to set an early tone, with the tactical focus likely resting on how the home side’s midfield trio manages the creative movement of Como’s attacking unit.
Midfield control and tactical setups
Udinese are expected to lean on a robust midfield core featuring Jesper Karlstroem, Jakub Piotrowski, and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp. This unit will be tasked with disrupting the rhythm of Como’s technical midfielders, Martin Baturina and Nico Paz, who often operate in the pockets between the lines. The hosts will likely aim to transition quickly through Nicolo Zaniolo, looking to exploit the space behind Como’s defensive line.
Como’s attacking fluidity
Como arrive with a clear emphasis on ball progression, utilizing the mobility of Anastasios Douvikas and Assane Diao up front. With Maximo Perrone anchoring the midfield, the visitors look to dictate the tempo and stretch the play wide. Their ability to remain compact defensively, having kept clean sheets in five of their last nine outings, suggests they will be difficult to break down during this opening fixture.
Team news and expected lineups
Udinese head into the match facing a defensive hurdle, as Christian Kabasele is unavailable due to suspension. The expected XI for the home side features a backline of Hassane Kamara, Oumar Solet, Matteo Palma, and Nicolo Bertola, protecting goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Como are expected to field a settled side, with Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Smolcic anchoring the defence in front of Jean Butez.
Form and historical context
Udinese enter the match following a positive 1-0 victory against Calcio Padova in the Coppa Italia, a result that provides a morale boost after a mixed pre-season. In contrast, Como have faced high-level opposition recently, including testing encounters against Liverpool and Arsenal. The historical meetings between these two clubs have been competitive, with their most recent encounter ending in a goalless draw back in April 2026.
Como
4-2-3-1
● Confirmed
9
⚽
Douvikas
20
↓46′
Baturina
10
↓89′
Paz
17
↓71′
Rodriguez
5
↓46′
Perrone
6
Milla
3
Valle
99
Chalobah
4
Ramon
27
↓89′
Couto
1
Butez
Bench (15)
Lucas Da Cunha ↑46′ · Assane Diao ↑46′ · Mattia Liberali ↑71′ · Maxence Caqueret ↑89′ · Ivan Smolcic ↑89′ · Marc-Oliver Kempf · Alvaro Morata · Emil Audero · Adrian Lahdo · Edoardo Goldaniga · Noel Toernqvist · Mauro Vigorito · Alberto Dossena · Kaiki · Jayden Addai
Coach · Cesc Fabregas
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
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