Sunday’s Serie A clash between Como and Inter Milan at the Sinigaglia carries enormous weight for both sides, and Gazzetta dello Sport frame it as a fascinating tactical duel between Cesc Fabregas and Cristian Chivu who share one defining characteristic: neither will sit back and wait.
According to Gazzetta, via FCInterNews, Fabregas and Chivu are not coaches “accustomed to speculating or prevaricating.”
Indeed, they will compete regardless of results elsewhere.
Both fighting to strengthen their own credentials.
Especially in a match that has taken on added significance given the Napoli and Juventus results.
Lautaro Martinez’s fresh injury is the defining problem for Inter heading into the fixture.
Without their captain, Chivu’s best strategy may be to keep things tight.
Gazzetta suggest he would benefit from “keeping the score low, particularly against the best defence in Serie A,” a Como side that has not lost since February 14th.
Como Vs Inter – Fabregas To Use Possession Game While Chivu Plans Pressing Trap
Fabregas is expected to attempt to disorient Inter through possession and movement.
The Gazzetta preview hints at a possible sacrifice of a pure striker from the start.
Indeed, with Douvikas potentially deployed to disrupt Inter’s defensive lines and deny Acerbi clear reference points.
Nico Paz will be tasked with facilitating combinations and underlapping runs from teammates.
Inter counter with pressing, Chivu will look to disrupt Como’s build-up from deep.
However, they must remain alert to the long ball over the top that could expose them to Como’s pacier players in behind.
The numbers favour Inter heavily in the individual matchup.
Fabregas has not yet found a formula to trouble the Nerazzurri.
And, indeed, Gazzetta pose the interesting question of whether the rarefied air of a genuine Champions League battle will unsettle his young and exciting squad.
Or, alternatively, whether Inter’s more experienced operators will find a way to impose themselves as they always do.
