Udinese and Como Set for Balanced Serie A Opener

Como's Positive Run Meets Udinese's Home Ambition

Udinese begin their Serie A campaign at home against a Como side carrying the stronger preparation record into Saturday’s meeting. With the opening league table yet to reflect a played match, both teams have an immediate opportunity to establish direction at Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli.

Match Context and Table Position

The fixture takes place in Udine on Saturday, August 22, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 UTC and A. Arena appointed as referee. Como are currently listed fourth and Udinese 19th, but both have zero points from zero games and a goal difference of zero, so those positions are only the competition’s pre-match listing.

That context gives the opening round added importance without creating a meaningful points gap. Como can give substance to their higher provisional ranking by taking something away from home, while Udinese have the chance to make their position irrelevant with a positive start in front of their supporters.

Recent Momentum Before Serie A Opener

There is no Serie A form available because neither side has played a league fixture this season. In their recent preparation matches, however, Udinese recorded three wins, one draw and one defeat across their last five, including three successive 1-0 victories against Padova, Barcelona and Nottingham Forest.

Como arrive unbeaten across their last five preparation matches, with three wins and two draws. Their latest results were a 0-0 draw away to Liverpool and a 1-1 draw at Arsenal, although those fixtures provide context rather than a direct forecast for the league opener.

Tactical Setup and Team News

No confirmed formations or starting elevens have been published, leaving the tactical picture open until the official teams are announced. Udinese’s recent narrow victories suggest that protecting a lead could be an important part of their approach, while Como’s unbeaten preparation may encourage them to play with patience and confidence.

Udinese are without C. Kabasele after a red card and A. Zanoli because of a knee injury, while G. Chakvetadze is questionable with a foot injury. Como have J. Addai listed as missing through an Achilles tendon injury; the latest available match-day information records these absences, with their final tactical effect depending on the confirmed lineups.

Prediction and Key Factors

The key question is whether Udinese can turn home advantage and defensive resilience into control of the match, or whether Como’s steadier preparation will allow them to dictate the tempo. Udinese’s absences, particularly C. Kabasele and A. Zanoli, could make defensive organisation especially important, while Como must manage expectations attached to their provisional fourth-place listing.

Prediction: Udinese 1-1 Como. Como’s unbeaten preparation should make them difficult to overcome, but Udinese’s home setting and record of narrow recent wins point towards a balanced opening-round draw.