After an unusual summer impeded by the transfer ban, Lazio will resume official action on August 25 when they kick off their Serie A campaign with an away contest against Como.
The Biancocelesti are one of the most storied clubs in Italian football, while their Lombardian hosts have only returned to the top flight last year after a 25-year absence. And yet, some of the most trusted online betting sites are tipping the Lariani to prevail over their Roman visitors, albeit the odds are relatively close.
Como have the advantage of playing at home, but some might argue that Cesc Fabregas has a better squad at his disposal than Maurizio Sarri, especially following their latest summer spending spree. Therefore, we will put this statement to the test by selecting the combined Best XI from the two clubs.
Como vs Lazio Combined XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Ivan Provedel (Lazio)
Como have been building an impressive squad, but the goalkeeper’s role has been considered one of their main weak points, one that they have yet to address, with Jean Butez still their No.1. Hence, Ivan Provedel (and his young competitor) Christos Mandas should get the upper hand.
Right-Back: Mergim Vojvoda (Como)
The 30-year-old Kosovan is a versatile full-back/wing-back capable of playing on either flank. He has been one of the most underrated Serie A players in his role since his time at Torino. On the other hand, Lazio have three choices in Manuel Lazzari, Adam Marusic and Elseid Hysaj, but none is too impressive.
Centre-Backs: Mario Gila & Oliver Provstgaard (Lazio)
Even with Alessio Romagnoli suspended, Lazio’s centre-back pairing of Mario Gila and Oliver Provstgaard should prevail over any combination that Como has to offer.
Left-Back: Nuno Tavares (Lazio)
Fabregas has two compatriots to choose from for his role: the experienced Alberto Moreno and the young Alex Valle. However, Nuno Tavares is one of the best left-backs in the country, so this was probably the easiest pick on the list.
Central Midfielders: Nicolo Rovella & Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio)
Como have several interesting options in midfield, including Maximo Perrone, Maxence Caqueret, Lucas Da Cunha and Sergi Roberto, but as things stand, Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Guendouzi are on another level.
Attacking Midfielder: Nico Paz (Como)
The Real Madrid youth product was arguably the biggest Serie A revelation from last season. It’s difficult to find such a refined and elegant talent at this young age.
Wingers: Assane Diao (Como) & Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)
Although Assane Diao and Mattia Zaccagni both like to play on the left wing, they get the nod because we consider them the pick of the bunch. Hence, the young Senegalese and the Lazio skipper could swap flanks back and forth. Matteo Cancellieri has been brilliant in pre-season, but we shall see if he can maintain his red-hot form when the real action begins.
Striker: Alvaro Morata (Como)
Taty Castellanos and Boulaye Dia will be vying for a starting role at Lazio, but Alvaro Morata gets the nod on this list for his sheer tenacity, shrewdness and all the know-how he brings to the table. The former Juventus and Real Madrid star doesn’t score week in week out, but his contribution to the cause is immeasurable.
This como game would either break or make what our season would look like.. COMO indeed have spent and have bolter thier squad better than lazio but thier pre season was not convincing but that put aside it won’t be like a seria A.. I expect como to dominate the entire game. Lazio would have to pull up a magic again with the counter breaks. Let’s see if cancellieri would shine this time.. am really looking for to see BASHIRU on that night. He would be the stand out player this season am sure…
My prediction? Am tipping a COMO 2 – LAZIO 1 … best scenario would be a 2 all draw because I really don’t see lazio wining this game.. WELL ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.. THIS IS FOOTBALL