Juventus vs Como Serie A prediction and stats: A new era for Serie A’s David and Goliath
Italy’s most decorated club, Juventus, begin their 2024/25 Serie A campaign when they host newcomer Como.
It’s been a barren few seasons for the Old Lady, who come into this latest campaign on the back of four scudetto-less years, having previously won nine on the bounce. As for Como, now led by former Arsenal captain and Spain midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, they’re back in the big time after 21 years away, but very few are backing them to get something from the opening round.
Three predictions for Juventus vs Como
Juventus 2-0 Como (5/1 with Midnite)
Juventus and Como will face each other on matchday one of a Serie A campaign for the first time since the 1988/89 season (a 3–0 victory for the Bianconeri). Overall, two of Como’s last three seasonal debuts in the top division (L3) have come against Juventus.
It’s also worth noting that the Old Lady have won more matches on MD1 of a Serie A season than any other side in history (59), including seven wins across their last eight games (D1).
During his time as Bologna’s coach in Serie A, Thiago Motta kept 18 clean sheets in home games, conceding only 23 goals in total across 35 home matches. No team has done better in the period (since mid-September 2022) — a record shared in both rankings with Juventus among the teams that have taken part in the last two top-flight seasons.
Dusan Vlahovic to score anytime (9/10 with Midnite)
Dušan Vlahović scored more goals in Serie A in 2024 than any other player (10), and he is also the player who has earned his team the most points in that time (14). The marksman finished the 2023/24 season as Juve’s leading scorer with 16 goals, the second-highest in Italy’s top division.
Under 2.5 goals (10/11 with Midnite)
Juventus are unbeaten in their last seven Serie A matches at home, winning three, including last time out against Monza. Furthermore, fewer than three goals have been scored in total in each of their six home games.
How both teams go into Juventus vs Como
Juventus forcefully hit the reset button. They became more of a defensive team in Max Allegri’s second stint as head coach. The Bianconeri sought to grind out results, and they drew 14 times last season but won enough games to finish in third place in the Serie A standings and return to the Champions League. But performance often precedes results for a club of Juve’s stature, and Allegri was shown the door. In his place, Thiago Motta, the architect of Bologna’s unexpected run to the Champions League, has arrived, sparking hopes that The Old Lady might start to play expansive football again. However, the task is significant for the 41-year-old coach. He’s never held such a prestigious position before, and it may take time for his ideas to take hold, especially with a revamped midfield featuring Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram, the son of former Juve defender Lilian and brother of current Inter striker Marcus. Only time will tell how this new direction will unfold.
Como are determined to maintain their newfound top-flight status. They earned promotion back to Serie A after 21 years by finishing in second place in the 2023/24 Serie B. Cesc Fàbregas took over coaching duties on an interim basis in the middle of the season, and the former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder guided them back into the top flight. Como have strengthened their squad with the signing of World Cup-winning defender Raphaël Varane, as well as veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina, former Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno, and Serie A stalwarts Andrea Belotti, Alberto Dossena, and Gabriel Strefezza. The team looks ready to compete in the upcoming season. Despite spending 21 years away from Serie A, Como’s historic results in the league have been respectable, finishing sixth twice and spending 14 seasons in the top flight.
Juventus host Como on Monday 19th August at 7:45pm (UK time) at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus team news
Fabio Miretti is still injured and possibly out of contention, barring a late recovery. Douglas Luiz has been outstanding in preseason despite the poor results and could be handed a start on Monday night. Michele Di Gregorio is expected to start in goal following the termination of Wojciech Szczęsny’s contract.
Tiago Djalo’s future in Turin remains uncertain despite only joining the club last winter, leaving Gleison Bremer and Federico Gatti as the best options to start at centre-back. Juan Cuadrado is also in contention for a start, but Motta is likely to utilize Andrea Cambiaso, who was instrumental to the coach during his spell at Bologna.
Arkadiusz Milik seems out of favour under Motta, and the Pole is already searching for another club. Dušan Vlahović is expected to lead Juve’s attack.
Como team news
Fábregas is eager to make use of his newest signings, including Varane. Unfortunately, the former Manchester United centre-back is currently injured, and whether or not he will participate in Monday’s match depends on a late fitness test. Pepe Reina is expected to be the backup, with Emil Audero staying in goal. Additionally, Alberto Moreno, the former Liverpool wingback, brings more experience to the team and may start at left-back. Patrick Cutrone might join Belotti in the attack, and Cypriot full-back Nikolas Ioannou will face his former club.
Juventus vs Como head-to-head
After losing three of their first five games (W1 D1) against Como in Serie A between 1949 and 1952, Juventus have remained unbeaten in their subsequent 21 matches (W12 D9).
| HOME vs AWAY H2H | |||||||
| Date | Score | Ground | |||||
| 22 February 2003 | Como 1-3 Juventus | Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia | |||||
| 6 October 2002 | Juventus 1-1 Como | Delle Alpi | |||||
| 19 February 1989 | Juventus 0-0 Como | Comunale | |||||
| 9 October 1988 | Como 0-3 Juventus | Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia | |||||
| 24 January 1988 | Como 1-1 Juventus | Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia | |||||
| 13 September 1987 | Juventus 1-0 Como | Comunale | |||||
How to watch Juventus vs Como live
Juventus vs Como will be broadcast live at 7:45 p.m. (UK time) on Monday, August 19, but the game will not be aired on UK television.
