Como go into the final day fifth on 68 points after 37 matches, still in the Champions League chase and two points behind Milan and Roma. Cremonese are 18th on 34, one point behind Lecce, so the relegation race is still live as well. Cremonese cannot afford defeat if they want to keep any survival path open.

Why Como have the better numbers

The case for Como is built on more than their league position. They have kept 19 clean sheets, more than any other Serie A side, and they are on four consecutive shutouts. They have also collected 41 points in 2026, a total bettered only by champions Inter Milan. That is why they arrive looking like the more reliable team, even if they still need the results elsewhere to break their way.

There is a selection question around Nico Paz. One report says he is likely to miss the match because of a knee issue. Another says he is fit only for the bench. Either way, his season has mattered, with 12 goals and 6 assists, and his 7.31 league rating across 35 Serie A appearances shows how central he has been to Como's attack.

Cremonese still have something to play for

Cremonese's situation is grim, but not finished. They have won three matches under Marco Giampaolo, matching their total from the previous 27 league games, and they could still secure three straight top-flight wins in the same season for the first time in the current millennium. The preview also notes that Cremonese last survived consecutive top-flight seasons in 1995-96.

Jamie Vardy has seven Serie A goals and has scored in consecutive rounds against Pisa and Udinese, which gives Cremonese at least one recent attacking reference point. But the bigger truth is simpler: they need a result, and even a point could leave their fate hanging on what Genoa and Lecce do around them.

Cremonese host Como at Stadio Giovanni Zini knowing the stakes are still real at both ends of the table. Como have the cleaner numbers and the stronger defensive case, while Cremonese are still alive because the bottom of Serie A has not been settled yet. The final whistle on Sunday will say a lot about Europe on one side and survival on the other.

FAQ

Can Como still qualify for the Champions League on the final day?

Yes. Como are fifth on 68 points after 37 matches and are still chasing Champions League qualification. They are two points behind Milan and Roma, so the final day still matters for their European push.

Do Cremonese need to win to stay alive in Serie A?

They cannot afford defeat if they want to keep any survival path alive. Cremonese are 18th on 34 points after 37 matches, and Lecce are one point ahead on 35, so the relegation race can still hinge on the final day.

Why are Como considered the stronger side before this match?

Como have kept 19 clean sheets, more than any other Serie A side, and they are on four consecutive shutouts. They have also collected 41 points in 2026, a total bettered only by champions Inter Milan.

Is Nico Paz definitely out for Como's final match?

No. The briefs do not give a single definitive line. One report says he is likely to miss the match with a knee issue, while another says he is fit only for the bench.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →