Como-Bologna: Match Preview

After beginning 2026 with a home victory over Udinese, Como return to the Stadio Sinigaglia for Matchday 20 of the Serie A season. Bologna, one of only three sides to have beaten Como in the league so far, alongside Inter and Roma, travel to Lake Como. The Emiliani have not recorded a league win since 22 November, with two draws and four defeats in that period. They come into the match following a 2–0 home defeat to Atalanta, but remain a very dangerous team, capable of organising themselves effectively against any opponent. Pending the rescheduled matchday 16 fixture, Como are in sixth place with 33 points, while Bologna sit in eighth with 26 points. Nonetheless, the Lariani can expect a tough test against a well-drilled, proactive side that will look to impose their own rhythm and style of play, as they did in the first leg.

Here are the words of Como 1907 head coach Cesc Fàbregas ahead of Como-Bologna:
“I am very pleased with how few goals we have conceded. Everyone understands that both defending and attacking are collective efforts. Going through some heavy defeats has helped us grow mentally, push ourselves harder and mature more quickly. The team are comfortable both on and off the ball. Football is also about knowing how to read situations, and we are learning to do that. We must remain grounded and stay focused on who we are and where we want to go.

“I can feel that people believe in us and have always been by our side. Something special is being built here, which is not so common in modern football. I feel a deep connection with this club and this city.

“Bologna are an aggressive, intense and quick team, led by an excellent coach. I expect them to make several changes compared to the match they played yesterday. It will be a very demanding challenge and an important test for us.”

Bologna

Although Vincenzo Italiano’s starting XI can be difficult to predict, given his willingness to rotate players, particularly in attack, and adapt his approach to each opponent, Bologna are likely to line up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. In the first leg at the Dall’Ara, Como held more possession (61%), while Bologna focused on closing passing lanes and limiting the Lariani’s ability to move the ball quickly and rotate players dynamically when not in possession. They are a physical and intense side, especially through the middle of the pitch, where they can field several players capable of disrupting play and forcing duels. Many of their defensive and midfield options offer strong physical presence, with players such as Heggem, Lucumì, Vitík, Casale, Lykogiannis, Holm, Zortea, Odgaard, Fabbian and Pobega all standing over 1.87 metres tall.

Bologna’s strength also lies in their explosiveness out wide. Upon regaining possession, Orsolini, Rowe, Domínguez and Cambiaghi, each with different characteristics, are external playmakers capable of cutting into the center of the field to create damage in the final third. The choice of striker further shapes their approach: Dallinga offers greater verticality, while Castro tends to drop deeper to create space for the wingers before attacking the penalty area. Immobile is also available and remains a dangerous presence in the box. In the first leg on 30 August, Bologna executed their game plan very effectively, leaving Como with zero passing options at certain stages of the game against a low and solid team.

Despite their recent results in the league, Bologna remain a side deserving of great respect, with multiple tactical solutions and the ability to adapt to different moments of the game.

Previous encounters

In the 12 Serie A matches played so far at the Sinigaglia between Como and Bologna, the visitors have never managed to win. The overall record shows nine wins for Como, three draws, and zero wins for the Rossoblù, who will attempt to break this spell.

The last match between the two teams on the shores of Lake Como ended in a 2-2 draw. Casale’s own goal and Cutrone’s strike were cancelled out by goals from Castro and Iling-Junior to secure the final draw.

Match details

• Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
• Kick-off: 15:00 CEST
• Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia
• Referee: Abisso
• Assistants: Berti – Scarpa

Where to watch

• Italy: Dazn
• Balkans: Arena Sport
• USA: CBS, DAZN 
• Latin America: ESPN & Disney +
• South Korea: SPOTV
• Rest of the world: Check local listings.