Como-Atalanta: Match Preview

After reaching the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia for only the second time in the club’s history, Como return to Serie A action with an all-Lombardy clash against Atalanta. At the Sinigaglia Stadium, the Lariani will host the Orobici: sixth and seventh in the standings respectively, separated by just five points in what promises to be a closely fought encounter.

Como head into the match on the back of three consecutive wins across the league and Coppa Italia, against Lazio, Torino, and Fiorentina. Atalanta, meanwhile, come off a run of five straight positive results in Serie A, with two Champions League defeats against Athletic Bilbao and Union Saint-Gilloise in between. Since Palladino’s appointment before Napoli-Atalanta on 22 November, the Bergamo side have recorded seven wins, one draw, and three defeats in the league, quickly re-establishing themselves at the top of the table.

Atalanta are a physical team who play at a high tempo and possess significant offensive potential, which has been further strengthened in recent weeks with the arrival of a player of Giacomo Raspadori’s calibre.

Here are the words of Como 1907 head coach Cesc Fàbregas ahead of Como-Atalanta:

 “I’m very pleased with how January has gone, especially the players’ attitude. They understood the challenge of facing nine matches in such a short space of time. I’ve seen a positive mindset, focus, calmness, and willingness to support and respect one another. Every player has played a part, and those coming off the bench have always made a valuable contribution.

“Our ambition is to take it one game at a time. There’s no point looking too far ahead. What matters is tomorrow’s match, giving our all and putting in a strong performance for our fans. It will require something extra, that special ‘fuel’ to give everything and go for the win.

“Atalanta are a top-quality side with exceptional players. They can change their entire starting line-up and still be incredibly strong. It will be another big challenge for us, and we must stay at 100% to try to take points against such formidable opponents.”

Atalanta

In Palladino’s typical 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation, the foundations of Atalanta’s game remain largely the same as in recent years: high tempo, intense pressing, and quick ball recovery to exploit spaces in attack. Offensively, Atalanta boast one of the most complete and talented squads in Serie A. Raspadori is a technically gifted second striker with excellent finishing and sharp movement in tight spaces. De Ketelaere operates as an outside playmaker, covering areas from attacking midfield to the right wing, while Scamacca is one of the most technical strikers in the league, able to link up play and deliver powerful, precise shots. The team also benefits from the pace and explosiveness of Lookman, the creativity of Samardzic, and the constant threat of Krstovic, who has already scored six league goals — the same as Scamacca.

At the back and in midfield, Atalanta rely on intensity and physicality to win the ball back and launch dangerous counterattacks. Players like Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti, Kolasinac, Kossounou, Ahanor, as well as Ederson, De Roon, and Musah, are exceptional in this regard. The contribution of the wingers is also vital: with Bellanova returning from injury, Zappacosta has found space on the right, and Zalewski or Bernasconi on the left, all highly technical players capable of creating numerical superiority and moving into central areas to orchestrate attacks.

Atalanta are always a tough team to face. They rarely adapt to their opponents’ rhythm, instead trying to impose their own game and pace, whether at home or away. Sunday’s match promises to be a clash between two proactive and creative sides, both fighting until the very last second for the three points at stake.

Previous encounters

At the Sinigaglia Stadium, Como and Atalanta have faced each other 28 times. The record stands at 15 wins for the Biancoblù, seven draws, and six victories for the Nerazzurri.

Como’s last home win against Atalanta came in May 1989, when Marco Simone scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 Serie A victory.

Squad:

1  BUTEZ Jean

2  KEMPF Marc

3  VALLE Alex 

6  CAQUERET Maxence

7  MORATA Alvaro

8  ROBERTO Sergi

10 PAZ Nicolas 

11 DOUVIKAS Tasos

14 RAMON Jacobo

17 RODRIGUEZ Jesus 

18 MORENO Alberto

19 KUHN Nicolas

20 BATURINA Martin

21 TORNQVIST Noel

22 VIGORITO Mauro

23 PERRONE Maximo

28 SMOLCIC Ivan 

31 VOJVODA Mërgim 

33 DA CUNHA Lucas

34 DIEGO CARLOS

42 ADDAI Jayden

56 DE PAOLI Cristiano

77 VAN DER BREMPT Ignace

Match details

• Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
• Kick-off: 15:00 CEST
• Stadium: Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
• Referee: Pairetto
• Assistants: Imperiale – Ceccon

Where to watch

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