Como vs. Leipzig: a European debut against a wounded visitor

Como host RB Leipzig at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia at 3 p.m. Eastern on September 10, 2026 (2 a.m. September 11 in Vietnam, UTC+7). It is the first European match in Como’s 119-year history, following a rebuild from Serie D after bankruptcy in 2017. Fourth place in the previous Serie A campaign secured Champions League qualification.

Leipzig arrive after their first setback

Leipzig began strongly, beating Eintracht Trier 6–0 in the DFB-Pokal and Borussia Mönchengladbach 3–0 in their Bundesliga opener. A 3–1 defeat to Werder Bremen then handed new coach Martin Demichelis his first loss. Sporting director Marcel Schäfer called it a wake-up call, according to Yahoo Sports.

Christoph Baumgartner, Assan Ouedraogo, Romulo, and Rocco Reitz are injured. Brajan Gruda and Castello Lukeba are fitness doubts after the Bremen match.

Nico Paz is Como’s key attacking connection

Como remain unbeaten in Serie A. Their projected 4–2–3–1 has Jean Butez in goal; Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramón, Trevoh Chalobah, and Álex Valle in defense; Máximo Perrone and Lucas Da Cunha in midfield; and Nico Paz behind Anastasios Douvikas, with Martin Baturina and Assane Diao supporting the attack.

Paz, the 21-year-old Argentine, scored from Couto’s pass in the latest league round. He is central to both midfield control and creativity in the final third. Jayden Addai is Como’s only reported injury absence.

Experience does not settle the matchup

Leipzig have far more European experience but arrive short of attacking and midfield options and reacting to a first defeat. Como lack that experience but have unbeaten form, a productive Paz, and home advantage. Leipzig’s response to the Bremen loss and Como’s handling of their first major European occasion may matter more than reputation alone.

Sources and scope

UEFA — opening matchday schedule · UEFA — match facts: Como–Leipzig · Yahoo Sports — team news · Khel Now — injuries and form

This preview presents scenarios based on the original article’s reported team news and form, not events that have already occurred.