Udinese - Como

Can Udinese establish early momentum as they host Como at Bluenergy Stadium - Stadio Friuli on 22 August 2026? The hosts enter this matchday 1 fixture with defensive stability, having recently secured a 1-0 win over Calcio Padova in the Coppa Italia. The expected XI for Udinese features a solid backline of Hassane Kamara, Oumar Solet, Matteo Palma, and Nicolo Bertola, tasked with protecting Maduka Okoye. However, they will have to navigate this opening challenge without Christian Kabasele, who is currently suspended.

Como arrive for their first outing of the season looking to build on a competitive recent head-to-head record against their hosts. Their expected lineup includes a creative midfield trio of Martin Baturina, Nico Paz, and Maximo Perrone, aiming to supply forwards Anastasios Douvikas and Assane Diao. With their last two league meetings resulting in a draw and a narrow Como victory, this encounter promises a tactical test of form.