Como head coach Cesc Fabregas is urging a sharp mindset before the trip to Hellas Verona, stressing the need for aggression in attack as the Serie A side chase European qualification and look to avoid complacency against already relegated opponents who recently frustrated Juventus.

Como sit sixth in the Serie A standings heading into matchday 36, three points behind fourth-placed Juventus. The Lariani have only one victory from the last five league fixtures, yet remain firmly in contention for a European spot and will be widely expected to secure three points away at Verona.

Fabregas reminded reporters that Verona showed resilience under Paolo Sammarco by drawing 1-1 with Juventus, and warned that relegation does not remove competitive pride, stating: “There is dignity. Nobody wants to lose games,” before outlining the specific danger posed by Verona’s cautious game plan.

The Como coach described what he anticipates in detail, explaining: “You might be sad and disappointed because you got relegated, but nobody gives anything away. They launched counterattacks while playing with a low block against Juventus, then defended for the rest of the game. We must be prepared for a similar match.”

Fabregas highlighted the main attacking challenge against Hellas Verona in Serie A, adding: “Today, the most difficult thing is to score against a low block. We must have the desire to score, be proactive, and not go onto the field thinking it will be easy.” Como’s season-long defensive strength adds pressure to convert territorial control into goals.

Historical results support Como’s status as favourites against Hellas Verona in Serie A. Verona have failed to win any of the last eight league meetings with Como, recording five draws and three defeats, and have not beaten the Lariani in Serie A since December 1986, a run that underlines the scale of the task.

Como’s recent away record in this fixture is also encouraging. After taking just one point from their first four Serie A visits to Verona, Como are now unbeaten in the last three away league games there and are aiming to record their first ever Serie A double over Verona by adding another victory this weekend.

Defensively, Como have been one of the most solid teams in Serie A this season, conceding only 28 league goals so far. That figure is currently the best record in the competition, with only Arsenal, on 26 goals against, and Paris Saint-Germain, with 27 conceded, allowing fewer among clubs in Europe’s top five leagues.

Opta’s model reflects that balance of form, history and defensive solidity, giving Verona a 14.6 per cent chance of victory. The probability of a draw stands at 20.9 per cent, while Como are assigned a 64.5 per cent chance of winning, underlining the expectation that Fabregas’ side will take advantage of their position.

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The trip also comes amid local debate around Como’s use of homegrown talent in Serie A. Some criticism has focused on the limited minutes for academy players, yet Fabregas pointed to the progress of 16-year-old midfielder Riccardo Cassano from the under-17 squad as evidence that opportunities exist when prospects show the required qualities.

Como vs Hellas Verona Serie A youth focus and selection talk

Fabregas outlined why Cassano may join the travelling squad for the match at Hellas Verona in Serie A, saying: “I can’t say he’s ready, but he understands the type of football we want to play here,” before adding: “I’m really happy. When we use all these players, it seems we create value.”

The Como boss went further about the teenager’s chances of featuring against Verona, continuing: “If possible, Cassanowill come with us. He already trained with us last week, and I really liked it. He gave me great satisfaction. If I can take him with us, I’ll do it. So many young players train with us during the week, but when we see a player who stands out, we are open.”

Como vs Hellas Verona Serie A players to watch

For Hellas Verona in Serie A, January signing Kieron Bowie has become a crucial attacking outlet. The forward, recruited from Hibernian, has scored three times since arriving and has provided both of Verona’s only goals across their last seven league matches, including the opener in the 1-1 draw with Juventus.

Como’s key threat on the road in Serie A has been Nico Paz, who has four goals from seven away appearances in 2026, already surpassing his total from the first 27 away league matches. Among players with at least 10 goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season, nobody has more long-range goals than Paz, with five, level with Kylian Mbappe.

With Como hunting European football, boasting the league’s best defence and owning a strong record against Hellas Verona in Serie A, expectation points towards an away victory, yet Fabregas’ repeated warnings about Verona’s low block and counterattacks show Como expect a demanding contest rather than a straightforward assignment.