Following last season's historic campaign, which culminated in Como 1907's first-ever qualification for the UEFA Champions League, the Lariani are ready to begin their league campaign with their first away fixture of the season. On Saturday, 22 August at 6.30pm, the team will open the 2026/27 Serie A campaign at the Bluenergy Stadium against Udinese, looking to build on the pre-season performances in the UK against Arsenal and Liverpool and continue their progress.
Ahead of the season opener, Como 1907 have several options at their disposal. Martin Baturina impressed in the friendly against Arsenal in London, while Nico Paz has returned following his international duty with Argentina at the World Cup. New signing Mattia Liberali is also in contention to make his official debut in a Como shirt. There are also several new faces in midfield and defence, with Milla, Yan Couto, Kaiki and Chalobah all pushing to make their first official appearances for the club.
Como 1907's Head Coach Cesc Fàbregas ahead of Udinese-Como:
"It's going to be a very special season for us. We'll be competing in three competitions, which is a new experience for this team. There are so many unknowns, so we need to take it one match at a time and enjoy this special season, which hopefully will be the first of many for Como.
"What I appreciated most about pre-season was the personality we showed in the way we played. Against Liverpool, in the second half, we had 71% possession without allowing them to counter-attack. It feels to me that we have a team with a clear identity. There are still plenty of things to improve, but our priority remains developing these players and laying the foundations for Como's future.
"Udinese are a strong, well-established side with a clear playing identity. They're a physical team and play very good football. We'll have to approach the match with everything we've got."
Udinese
Udinese head into their league opener after progressing to the next round of the Coppa Italia with a victory over Padova. Entering his third season on the Bianconeri bench, Kosta Runjaic can build on solid foundations. The team's structure remains largely unchanged, built around physicality, organisation and a back three marshalled by Solet, with Okoye in goal. On the flanks, Ehizibue and Kamara are joined by new signing Vojvoda, an experienced campaigner and former player of the fixture.
In midfield, the balance will once again hinge on the quality of Karlström and the energy and creativity of Ekkelenkamp. Up front, all eyes will be on Zaniolo, whose ability to find space between the lines and combine with sharp movement around the edge of the box could prove crucial in bringing the best out of the physical presence of Keinan Davis.
Head-to-head
There have been 38 official matches between Udinese and Como, with a record of 14 victories for Udinese, 14 draws, and 10 wins for Como.
The last encounter at the Bluenergy Stadium was played on 6 April 2026 and ended in a draw (0-0).
Squad list:
1 BUTEZ Jean
2 KEMPF Marc
3 VALLE Alex
4 RAMON Jacobo
5 PERRONE Maximo
6 MILLA Luis
7 DA CUNHA Lucas
8 CAQUERET Maxence
9 DOUVIKAS Tasos
10 PAZ Nico
11 DIAO Assane
12 AUDERO Emil
13 DOSSENA Alberto
15 LAHDO Adrian
16 KAIKI Bruno
17 RODRIGUEZ Jesus
18 GOLDANIGA Edoardo
20 BATURINA Martin
21 TORNQVIST Noel
22 VIGORITO Mauro
23 MORATA Alvaro
27 COUTO Jan
28 SMOLCIC Ivan
30 LIBERALI Mattia
49 CASSANO Riccardo
99 CHALOBAH Trevoh
Match details
- Date: Saturday 22 August 2026
- Kick off: 18:30 CEST
- Stadium: Bluenergy Stadium
- Referee: Arena
- Assistant referees: Mondin-Laudato
Where to watch
- Italy: SkySport - DAZN
- UK: BBC
- Rest of the world: Check local TV listings