Fifteen from Eighteen

Six matches remain. As many as fifteen points may be needed. The arithmetic is straightforward, even if the execution will not be. Como dropped to fifth after the Inter defeat — two points behind Juventus, who hold fourth on 60 — and the margin for error has narrowed to almost nothing. Five of the remaining six opponents sit in the bottom half of the table. This is the kind of run-in that separates teams who belong in Europe from teams who merely flirted with the idea.

The Mission

The numbers are clear. Como sit on 58 points, fifth in Serie A. Juventus are on 60, fourth. The Champions League places require a top-four finish, and with six matches left, Como could need as many as five wins from six — fifteen points from eighteen available — to secure qualification. Anything less and they may be relying on Juventus to drop points.

Friday's trip to Sassuolo is match one of six. On paper, it is favourable: Sassuolo sit 11th on 42 points, their season effectively over as a competitive exercise. They have lost four of their last six and rank 15th in the league for expected goals, overperforming their xG by 7.2 points — a regression that tends to correct itself in the final weeks of a season.

But Serie A away matches are never routine. Sassuolo have won four of their last six home league matches, including a 2-1 win over Atalanta. The Mapei Stadium has been kinder to them than their overall record suggests. Como cannot afford to approach this as a formality.

Without Berardi

Sassuolo will be without Domenico Berardi, suspended after a red card. His absence removes their most dangerous creative player — the forward who has carried their attacking output for the better part of a decade. Josh Doig is also suspended, and Daniel Boloca is out with a meniscus injury. Fabio Grosso's options are thinning at the worst possible time.

This is the kind of advantage Como have to exploit. Not with complacency, but with the controlled aggression that defined the first forty-four minutes against Inter. Berardi's absence weakens Sassuolo's right side considerably. If Baturina and Valle can establish territorial control down Como's left, the spaces should open.

Squad Selection

Fàbregas has decisions to make. The predicted lineup shows a 4-2-3-1 with Douvikas leading the line, Paz, Baturina, and Diao behind him, and Perrone alongside Da Cunha in the double pivot. Sergi Roberto remains doubtful with a physical complaint, which could mean Da Cunha retains his starting place after an impressive cameo against Inter.

The question is whether Fàbregas rotates with the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter at San Siro just four days later. The answer should be no. This is not a match to manage — it is a match to win. Every point matters more than every minute of rest. The squad that starts Friday needs to be the one with the killer instinct.

Sassuolo's Threat

Do not dismiss Sassuolo entirely. Andrea Pinamonti has 8 goals this season and a FotMob rating of 7.67 — he is the kind of physical centre-forward who can punish defensive lapses. Armand Laurienté offers pace on the left, and Kristian Thorstvedt provides energy in midfield. Goalkeeper Arijanet Muric ranks second in Serie A for saves per match at 3.8 — a stat that suggests Sassuolo concede plenty of chances but stay competitive through individual brilliance between the posts.

The danger is complacency. Sassuolo's xG deficit suggests they are not as good as their points tally, but they are still a Serie A side capable of making life uncomfortable for anyone at the Mapei.

What a Win Would Mean

A victory on Friday would move Como to 61 points — above Juventus on goal difference, back into fourth, back into the Champions League places. It would set the tone for the final five matches and prove that the Inter collapse was a wound, not a terminal diagnosis.

Five of Como's remaining six opponents — Sassuolo, Hellas Verona, Parma, Cremonese, and Lecce — sit in the bottom half of the table. The one exception is Napoli at home on Matchday 36. If Como take care of business against the sides they should beat, the Napoli match becomes the final exam rather than a must-win rescue mission.

It starts Friday. Reggio Emilia. 12:30pm. Fifteen from eighteen.