Tudor Warns: Como is No Underdog Ahead of Juventus Clash
Igor Tudor, head coach of Como, stated that his team should not be considered an underdog as they prepare to face Juventus. The match, set for Sunday, pits Como against the only other unbeaten team in Serie A, Atalanta BC. Juventus has gone 11 matches without a loss, a streak dating back to April.
This season marks the third time in four years that Juventus has entered this stage without losing. However, they are currently experiencing an unusual stretch of five consecutive draws, their first such occurrence in nearly two decades. Their latest match resulted in a scoreless draw with AC Milan prior to the international break.
Match Preview: Como vs. Juventus
Como, positioned fifth in the Italian football rankings, seeks to build momentum as they head into a Champions League clash with Real Madrid next Wednesday. Juventus has not lost against Como in their last 23 league encounters, a streak that stretches back to January 1952.
Tudor’s Perspective
“This is a tough match; Como is a false small team,” Tudor remarked. He highlighted the significant investment the club has made and praised the personalized approach to player selection taken by the coach. Tudor emphasized, “We respect them, but we want to play our game.”
He also acknowledged the pressure of coaching Juventus, stating that winning is paramount for discussions to hold weight. Tudor pointed out that those who understand the game should recognize the challenges that come with the territory.
Key Players to Watch
- Como – Álvaro Morata: Morata has the most appearances (185) and goals (59) for Juventus among clubs in Europe’s top leagues. Despite facing Juventus seven times, he has not scored.
- Juventus – Francisco Conceição: Conceição contributed nine goals (five goals and four assists) last season. This season, he has already scored twice in just five appearances.
Historical Matchup Statistics
Juventus has a strong record against Como in Serie A, with 14 wins and nine draws in their last 23 encounters. Como last defeated Juventus in 1952, with a 2-0 victory at Stadio Sinigaglia. Their recent history against Juventus shows:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Last Como win vs. Juventus | 1952 |
| Como home games without a win vs. Juventus | 11 matches (4 draws, 7 losses) |
| Como’s last four Serie A matches | 3 draws, 1 win |
Match Prediction
The prediction for the upcoming match leans toward a draw. According to statistics from Opta, the probabilities for the match outcome are as follows:
- Como: 34.2%
- Draw: 27.9%
- Juventus: 37.9%
This match presents a pivotal opportunity for both teams. Como aims to assert their improved status, while Juventus seeks to break their draw streak and maintain their unbeaten record in Serie A.
