Como host Inter in crucial Serie A clash with Fabregas and Chivu subplot
Cesc Fabregas and Cristian Chivu, two candidates for the Inter Milan managerial role last summer, will face each other on the touchline this Sunday as Fabregas's Como host Serie A champions Inter. The match at the Stadio Sinigaglia carries significant weight for both clubs' season objectives, serving as a direct preview of their Coppa Italia semi-final second leg on April 21. According to Italian reports, Inter's leadership had previously traveled to London in an attempt to convince Como to release Fabregas, though the club has consistently denied he was not their primary target, ultimately appointing the former Romanian defender.
The encounter is the penultimate high-stakes league fixture of the season for Inter, who seek a response following a win over Roma and a fresh injury to striker Lautaro Martinez. For Como, the game presents an opportunity to capitalize on any misstep from AC Milan ahead of them, with unexpected hopes for a third-place finish still alive alongside their battle for fourth. The psychological dimension is heightened for Inter given their inconsistent form in recent weeks, making this their final match against a top-tier opponent before the season concludes.
Fabregas, the former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder, has impressed in his first full senior managerial role, guiding Como to a surprising push for European qualification. Chivu, a former Inter defender, took over at San Siro in the summer and has since led the club to the Serie A title, though their European campaign ended earlier than hoped. The direct duel adds a compelling layer to a fixture already rich with consequence.
The teams are set for a 20:45 kick-off at the Sinigaglia, broadcast live on Dazn. Fabregas will line up Como in a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring the experience of Sergi Roberto and Diego Carlos. Chivu's Inter, missing several key attackers, are expected to deploy a 3-5-2 with Marcus Thuram and Sebastiano Esposito leading the line, supported by midfielders Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu.
The result could define the final weeks for both sides, with Como's dream season on the line and Inter looking to build momentum ahead of their cup semi-final decider against the same opponents. A victory for the hosts would seriously bolster their claim for a historic top-four finish, while Inter aim to solidify their dominance and dampen the aspirations of their ambitious Lombardy neighbors.
