Genoa vs Como: Serie A Matchday 3 Preview & Team News
Genoa host Como on Friday evening in a Serie A Matchday 3 contest that carries early-season significance for both sides. Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa are still searching for their first points after two narrow defeats, while Cesc Fàbregas’s Como arrive with one point and the confidence of a competitive display in their last outing.
Genoa Team News and Injury Latest
De Rossi has had to contend with at least one clear absence for this fixture. Forward Elias Havel remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while midfielder Hamed Junior Traorè is doubtful with a muscle problem and faces a late fitness test.
The 3‑4‑2‑1 system that De Rossi has used is expected to stay intact, with Morten Frendrup providing control in the middle of the park. The back three of Marcandalli, Ostigard and Vasquez should continue, while the twin threat of Vitinha and Lorenzo Colombo leads the line. Genoa’s last starting XI – away at Lazio – featured Bijlow, Norton‑Cuffy, Sow, Ellertsson and Baldanzi, and much the same group is likely to be trusted again.
Como’s Form and Selection Outlook
Como collected their first point of the season with a 1‑1 draw at Udinese and were highly competitive at Napoli, where they led 2‑1 at the break. No fresh injury concerns have been reported, giving Fàbregas the luxury of continuity.
That should mean an unchanged side from the team that started against Napoli: Jean Butez in goal, a back four of Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramón, Trevoh Chalobah and Álex Valle, with Máximo Perrone and Luis Milla anchoring midfield. Nico Paz and Martin Baturina operate as the creative hubs behind striker Tasos Douvikas, offering the invention that makes Como a dangerous proposition on the road.
Key Battle: Frendrup’s Control vs Como’s Creative Duo
The balance between Genoa’s midfield organisation and Como’s attacking flair is likely to decide where the game is won. Frendrup’s ability to screen the back three and link play has been one of the few constants in Genoa’s early matches, and his duel with Paz and Baturina – who float between the lines and are always looking to thread passes into Douvikas – will be critical. If Frendrup can disrupt that supply, Genoa’s wing‑backs can push higher; if not, the visitors’ passing combinations could open up space behind the midfield.