Prediction: Como vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 61/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Just one point off the summit heading into a dramatic Friday night conclusion, defending Serie A champions Inter Milan travel to face Como, aiming to leapfrog title challengers Napoli.

With both teams faltering last week, the Scudetto race remains wide open — and could even require a playoff — as the Serie A season approaches its thrilling finale.

Como

The home side won’t get much confidence from their recent head-to-head record with Inter, having lost the last eight Serie A matches against them, including a 2-0 defeat at San Siro earlier this season.

Although their run of six straight Serie A wins ended last week, Como remain high on confidence and could offer stern resistance to Inzaghi’s title-chasing Inter side.

Held to a 1-1 draw by Hellas Verona, the Lariani missed the chance to extend their streak but have already secured a surprise top-half finish thanks to a strong run since early April.

Currently sitting 10th with 49 points—five ahead of Torino and Udinese—they can still equal or sur the last promoted side to reach 50 points or more: Verona in 2014.

After a slow start, Como have impressed in their first Serie A campaign in 21 years and could now be set for a lasting top-flight presence.

Buoyed by ambitious ownership and led by highly-rated coach Cesc Fabregas, they’ll look to strengthen their progress heading into next season.

As part of their charge into the top 10, Como have won their last three home games while allowing just one goal, meaning they could yet impact Inter’s title ambitions.

Team News

With top scorer Assane Diao sidelined through injury – having scored eight league goals since his January arrival – Como will rely on fellow young talent Nico Paz, who has six goals and eight assists.

Alberto Dossena and Sergi Roberto are also out, and Edoardo Goldaniga is suspended; Ivan Smolcic may therefore step into the back line.

Additionally, veteran backup keeper Pepe Reina is set to retire, drawing the curtain on his career at the age of 42.

Inter Milan

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All nine Serie A matches kicked off simultaneously last weekend, as Inter and Napoli’s tense title duel continued, with no shortage of drama or controversy throughout.

Inter, the reigning champions, missed a major opportunity to reclaim top spot with one game left, settling for a 2-2 draw against Lazio after a rollercoaster encounter at San Siro.

Yann Bisseck struck just before half time to put them ahead, only for Pedro to level soon after the break. Denzel Dumfries then powered in a back-post header, seemingly sending Inter a point above Napoli, who were held 0-0 at Parma.

However, unlike their Champions League semi-final win over Barcelona, Inter were undone late on. VAR ruled Bisseck had handled the ball, and veteran Pedro coolly converted from the spot to equalise in stoppage time.

Marko Arnautovic even had a last-second chance to seal the win, but fluffed his lines, leaving Inter one point behind Napoli heading into the final round.

The title will now be settled on Friday, when both sides play their last matches – or in a playoff next Monday if Napoli lose and Inter draw, resulting in both finishing on 79 points.

Antonio Conte’s men will host Cagliari, while Simone Inzaghi’s Inter face Lombardy neighbours Como, just eight days before their Champions League final against PSG.

After a streak of eight away wins and seven clean sheets, Inter have managed just two wins in their last eight road games, making the trip to Stadio Sinigaglia far from ideal.

Team News

The Nerazzurri are monitoring the fitness of two Champions League stars: captain Lautaro Martinez and semifinal hero Davide Frattesi are racing to recover in time, but should at least be on the bench.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Pavard has resumed training and is likely to be included. If Martinez is cleared to start, Mehdi Taremi would drop to the bench, allowing ‘El Toro’ to reunite with Marcus Thuram up front.

Inzaghi is otherwise expected to stick with the same XI, including standout wing-back Denzel Dumfries, who has now racked up 11 goals and five assists in all competitions, with set pieces proving a particular strength.

Conclusion

Inter are expected to get the job done against Como, but securing three crucial points may prove challenging — and another dose of late drama certainly can’t be discounted.

While their attacking form has dipped, no side in Europe’s top five leagues has scored more goals from set pieces (25), giving the Nerazzurri a reliable route to goal once more.

After that, the Scudetto race will hinge on what unfolds in Naples.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 61/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet