Como failed to capitalise on home advantage in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter, as the contest at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia ended in a goalless draw.
The hosts created the clearer opportunities and could have taken a lead into next month’s return leg in Milan, but wasteful finishing kept the tie finely balanced. Alex Valle missed the best chance of the night, squandering a golden opportunity that would have put Cesc Fabregas’ side ahead.
Mergim Vojvoda came close twice in the opening half. His first attempt was blocked by Carlos Augusto, while his second effort—struck with the outside of his foot—curled just wide of the far post as Inter struggled to settle. Nico Paz also tested Josep Martinez before the interval, forcing the goalkeeper into a strong save after cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot.
Inter nearly made an instant impact after the restart when Matteo Darmian’s cross clipped the near post just seconds into the second half. However, Como soon carved out another huge opportunity, only for Valle to miss from close range following Ivan Smolcic’s low delivery across the box.
Both sides appeared cautious in the closing stages, unwilling to take unnecessary risks that might cost them before the second leg. Fabregas introduced late substitutions in an attempt to inject fresh energy, but neither team could find a breakthrough.
Data Debrief: Como Lack Cutting Edge
After conceding four goals in their previous encounter with Inter, Como will take encouragement from restricting Cristian Chivu’s team to just 0.06 expected goals from three off-target attempts.
However, the hosts were unable to convert their own 0.9 xG from five efforts, with Valle’s missed chance alone accounting for 0.73 of that figure.
Maxence Caqueret stood out in midfield, completing 51 of 56 passes, including a match-high 12 in the final third. He also dominated physically, winning seven duels—the most in the match—and regaining possession four times, joint-high among his teammates.
