Como's Fabregas Considers Diao as Striker for Key Inter Clash
Como manager Cesc Fabregas is considering deploying winger Diao as a central striker in a tactical shift for Sunday's Serie A clash against league leaders Inter Milan, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport. The match at the Sinigaglia stadium represents a critical test for the promoted side, who currently sit in an unexpected fourth place. Fabregas has never beaten Inter as a coach, with his side suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture at San Siro in December.
With the aim of shattering that record, Fabregas is reportedly weighing a significant change to his attacking setup. The primary tactical dilemma revolves around whether to use a traditional number nine or a false nine system. The report suggests one bold solution is to start Diao, the Senegalese wide player, through the middle. This would leverage his power and speed directly against Inter's left defensive flank of Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco, an area identified as potentially vulnerable.
Diao, whose full name is Daouda Diao, has been a key figure for Como this season, though primarily from the wing. His potential redeployment comes as Fabregas adapts to squad changes since the heavy loss to Inter. Defender Posch has departed on loan, while winger Addai is out for the season with an Achilles injury, facilitating Diao's return to the starting lineup after his own absence. The 26-year-old impressed in a recent victory over Roma, causing significant problems from wide areas.
An alternative, according to the analysis, would be to start veteran striker Alvaro Morata. Despite having yet to score in the league for Como, Morata brings vast experience with over 175 career goals. He made a disruptive impact off the bench in the recent draw with Udinese. However, the use of Diao as the central forward is described as the season's true novelty in terms of a starting selection.
The formation itself remains under scrutiny. Fabregas could mirror Inter's expected 3-5-2 setup, shifting to a back three. This system, successfully used against Roma, would provide defensive solidity by allowing wing-backs Smolcic and Valle to drop into a back five without possession. It would also facilitate a fluid, false-nine attack, with midfielders like Rodrigo Paz, Maxence Caqueret, and Martin Baturina rotating in the advanced role, a tactic previously used against Lazio.
This tactical flexibility is a hallmark of Fabregas's tenure. Following the 4-0 loss in December, he famously claimed he did not see a vast difference between the teams despite the scoreline, indicating a belief in his project's underlying strength. The match represents more than just points; it is an opportunity for Como to validate their surprising season against the champions-elect. A positive result would significantly bolster their unlikely push for a European qualification spot, a dream that has gathered momentum on the shores of Lake Como.
