Como and Inter Battle to Stalemate: Fabregas Eyes Bigger Challenges
Como and Inter Milan played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The match, held at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, saw both managers employ surprising tactical choices, resulting in a tightly contested affair.
Tactical Chess Match at Sinigaglia
Inter coach Cristian Chivu fielded a B team, seemingly prioritizing the tie and potentially saving key players for upcoming Serie A fixtures. This decision reportedly frustrated Como manager Cesc Fabregas, who felt his team deserved a victory. Both sides deviated from their typical formations, with Inter utilizing only one centre-forward at a time and Como opting for a False 9 in Nico Paz.
Despite Inter’s dominance in Serie A over the past five years, Como created the better chances. Alex Valle missed a clear opportunity from five yards, while Mergim Vojvoda also threatened the Inter goal. Inter’s Matteo Darmian hit the upright, but they managed only one shot on goal throughout the match.
Fabregas: “We Deserved More”
Following the match, Fabregas expressed his belief that Como were the better side. “I perceive that perhaps we deserved to score a goal, or at least got closer to scoring one,” he stated to Sport Mediaset. He highlighted Como’s solid defensive performance and ability to impose their game plan on the league leaders.
Fabregas dismissed suggestions that the result was a form of payback for Como’s 4-0 defeat to Inter at San Siro in December, stating, “Payback is for losers.” He emphasized his team’s focus on continuous improvement and challenging for more significant honors.
Como’s Ambitions and the “Little Bombonera”
Fabregas has urged Como fans to create a fervent atmosphere at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium for the return leg, comparing it to the legendary La Bombonera stadium of Boca Juniors. Currently fifth in Serie A, Como are aiming for a Champions League qualifying spot, demonstrating their growing ambition.
Team Lineups
Como Starting XI: Butez; Smolčić, Ramón, D. Carlos, Valle; Perrone, S. Roberto; Vojvoda, Da Cunha, Caqueret; Paz.
Inter Starting XI: J. Martínez; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Carlos Augusto; Diouf; Esposito.
Match Officials
Referee: Di Bello
Assistants: Peretti, Colarossi
Fourth Official: Zufferli
VAR: Mazzoleni
AVAR: Maresca
Disciplinary Information
Como – Diego Carlos, Kühn, Morata, Paz, Ramón J., Roberto S., Van der Brempt are all one yellow card away from suspension.
Inter – Esposito, Kamate, Sucic are all one yellow card away from suspension.
FAQ
Q: What was the final score of the match?
A: The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Q: Who is the coach of Como?
A: Cesc Fabregas is the coach of Como.
Q: What competition was this match played in?
A: This was the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.
Q: Did Inter field their strongest team?
A: No, Inter coach Cristian Chivu fielded a B team.
Did you know? Como are currently fifth in Serie A, exceeding expectations this season.
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