Twenty3’s Tactics Truck: Como continue Serie B climb ahead of Catanzaro encounter
Como 1907 are a club with big ambitions.
Under the ownership of the Djarum group, an Indonesian conglomerate, the Italian side have made big strides forward on and off the pitch.
Since their takeover in 2019, Como have risen from the fourth tier to Serie B, and now have realistic ambitions of reaching the top flight.
The Arsenal connection has brought more attention to the club: Thierry Henry is a stakeholder and Cesc Fabregas, who ended his playing career with the Lombardy team, is now their assistant manager.
Como are also coached by a Welshman, Osian Roberts, who has impressed since taking the reins in December.
Ahead of an important clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Catanzaro, we’ve delved into Twenty3’s Toolbox to look at the tactical ideas behind Como’s recent success.
Direct and dangerous
Como currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot in Serie B, sitting one point ahead of Venezia.
League leaders Parma have established a seven-point gap, but the battle for promotion below them is close and hard-fought.
With seven games left in the season, both Cremonese and Catanzaro are also in the running.
Como appear to have picked a good time to find form: they have won four and drawn one of their last six, scoring 12 goals in the process.
Roberts typically sets his side out in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 shape, with an emphasis on getting the ball forward quickly to creative duo Simone Verdi and Lucas Da Cunha.
Como are fairly direct in their approach, averaging just 49.27% possession in Serie B.
Taking the fastest route to goal has often worked well, with 45 goals scored from an xG of 44.39.
Former Wolves striker Patrick Cutrone has been a key man in attack, scoring 11 goals in 25 league appearances.
Experienced right-back Alessio Iovine, meanwhile, has been a key creative force, ranking second in the division for assists (seven).
Solid structure
Como look to remain organised and disciplined out of possession, maintaining a set structure and breaking at pace in transition.
Their defensive solidity has allowed them to pick up points even when not at their best this season.
Only Cremonese (15) have kept more clean sheets (12) and conceded fewer non-penalty goals (22) than Como (29).
Edoardo Goldaniga and Cas Odenthal have formed a strong partnership at centre-back, while captain Alessandro Bellemo and defensive midfielder Oliver Abildgaard provide plenty of protection in front of the back four.
The latter ranks third in Serie B this season for interceptions (173) and fifth for aerial duels won (98).
His combative presence in midfield is crucial and allows Como’s flair players more freedom in the attacking third.
Creative Como
As mentioned, 31-year-old Verdi is an influential figure for Como.
The attacking midfielder is a constant threat from set pieces, scoring directly from two so far in 2023-24.
He has also netted three penalties and won more attacking duels (89) than any of his team-mates.
The Italy international also leads the way at Como for dribbles completed (52) and through passes completed (10).
His ability to produce a moment of brilliance is invaluable for a side in a promotion race that is likely to be decided by fine margins.
And Verdi’s proven Serie A quality is an indication of the direction Como intend to go.
Fabregas has outlined the club’s vision. In an interview with the Athletic, he said: “What I have in mind where this club can be. You wouldn’t believe it.
“There is a lot of work to be done. I share the same thoughts and vision as the owners and it’s very big what we want to do, where we want to go and this requires time.”
If key players like Verdi, Goldaniga, Abildgaard and Cutrone continue to perform at such a high standard, Como could well find themselves in Serie A for the first time in over two decades .
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