Match: Hellas Verona vs. Como 1907
Date: May 10, 2026
Venue: Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi
Competition: Serie A – Matchday 36
As we enter the final stretch of the 2025/26 Serie A season, Cesc Fàbregas stands on the precipice of a managerial masterstroke. Currently sitting in 4th place with 62 points, Como’s rise from Serie B under the Hartono brothers’ ownership has culminated in a direct battle for Champions League qualification.
Today’s trip to Verona is a “must-win” for the Lariani. While the hosts, Hellas Verona, have already been mathematically relegated to Serie B following a disastrous campaign, Fàbregas knows that a slip-up against Paolo Sammarco’s side could allow a surging Napoli to leapfrog them in the standings.
Serie A Top 4 Standings (As of May 10, 2026)
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inter Milan | 35 | 22 | 9 | 4 | 75 | CHAMPIONS |
| 2 | AC Milan | 35 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 66 | CL Qualification |
| 3 | Napoli | 35 | 19 | 6 | 10 | 63 | CL Qualification |
| 4 | Como 1907 | 35 | 18 | 8 | 9 | 62 | CL Qualification |
Tactical Blueprint: The Fàbregas 4-2-3-1
Fàbregas has defied the traditional Italian preference for the 3-5-2, instead implementing a high-possession 4-2-3-1 that has seen Como average the highest possession percentage in Serie A this season.
1. Exploiting the “Relegation Slump”
Verona has lost five of their last six matches and is operating under interim boss Paolo Sammarco. Fàbregas will likely instruct his side to kill the game in the first 20 minutes. Expect a suffocating high press led by Assane Diao and Álvaro Morata. Verona’s confidence is at rock bottom; by forcing turnovers in the final third, Como can bypass a low block before it even settles.
2. The Nico Paz Factor
The undisputed star of Como’s season has been Nico Paz. With 10 goals and 6 assists this term, the former Real Madrid playmaker will be tasked with finding the pockets of space between Verona’s midfield and their retreating backline, likely anchored by Victor Nelsson. Fàbregas will look for Paz to link up with Jesús Rodríguez, whose 7 assists this season have been vital in transition.
3. Defensive Stability: Jacobo Ramón
Despite their attacking flair, Como boasts one of the league’s meanest defenses. Jacobo Ramón has been the standout arrival of the 2025/26 campaign. His ability to read the game and snuff out long-ball attempts from Verona’s Sandi Lovri? will be crucial in maintaining a high line, allowing Maxence Caqueret and Maximo Perrone to dominate the central third.
Predicted Lineups
Como 1907 (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Jean Butez
- DF: Ignace Van der Brempt, Jacobo Ramón, Edoardo Goldaniga, Alberto Moreno
- CDM: Maxence Caqueret, Maximo Perrone
- AMR: Assane Diao
- AMC: Nico Paz
- AML: Jesús Rodríguez
- ST: Álvaro Morata
Hellas Verona (4-4-2):
- GK: Lorenzo Montipò
- DF: Pol Lirola, Victor Nelsson, Nicolás Valentini, Domagoj Bradari?
- MID: Abdou Harroui, Suat Serdar, Roberto Gagliardini, Sandi Lovri?
- FW: Kieron Bowie, Casper Tengstedt
The FTP Verdict
Fàbregas has built a “theme park” of technical football on the banks of Lake Como, and this match represents the final gate to Europe. Verona are playing for pride, but they lack the tactical discipline to handle Como’s fluidity. We expect a professional, high-possession performance that secures three points and brings Champions League football to the Sinigaglia.
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