Como vs Parma: Late-Season Serie A Clash

Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia stages a fascinating late-season Serie A clash as high-flying Como host Parma on 17 May 2026. With Como sitting 6th on 65 points and firmly in the Europa League conversation, and Parma 13th on 42 points but not yet mathematically safe from sliding further down the table, the stakes are very different but equally sharp for both sides.

Context and stakes

In the league, Como have been one of the stories of the 2025 campaign. Sixth place with a +32 goal difference (60 scored, 28 conceded) underlines how balanced and efficient they have been across 36 matches. Their recent form of WDWLL suggests a slight wobble after a long, consistent run, but they remain well placed to secure European football.

Parma arrive as a classic mid-table side on paper – 13th, 42 points, goal difference -18 (27 scored, 45 conceded). Their form line LLWWD hints at volatility: capable of stringing wins together, but just as capable of dropping back into poor runs. With only two games left, every point still matters for securing a calmer finish and potentially climbing a few places.

Tactical snapshot: Como

Across all phases this season, Como have been built on structure and control. They have used a 4-2-3-1 in 32 of 36 league matches, with occasional switches to 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3. That consistency is reflected in their numbers:

• In the league: 18 wins, 11 draws, 7 defeats from 36.
• Goals for: 60 (1.7 per game overall; 1.9 at home).
• Goals against: 28 (0.8 per game; 0.8 at home).
• Clean sheets: 18, split evenly home and away.
• Home record: 9 wins, 6 draws, 3 losses, 34-15 on goals.

At Sinigaglia they combine a proactive attacking shape with a disciplined back line. Conceding just 15 in 18 home games, with half of those matches ending in clean sheets, points to a well-drilled defensive unit and good game management once ahead.

In possession, Como lean heavily on two standout performers.

Nicolás Paz has been one of Serie A’s most influential midfielders this season. Operating primarily as an advanced midfielder in that 4-2-3-1, his profile is complete:

• 35 appearances (33 starts), 2,884 minutes.
• 12 goals and 6 assists.
• 86 shots, 48 on target – a constant shooting presence from midfield.
• 1,394 passes with 51 key passes, 82% accuracy.
• 125 dribbles attempted, 69 successful.
• 91 tackles and 28 interceptions – not just a creator, but a pressing and ball-winning presence.

Paz’s numbers suggest Como will look to him between the lines, both to break Parma’s midfield structure and to arrive late in the box. His penalty record is more mixed: he has scored 0 and missed 2 in the league, so he is not a guaranteed option from the spot despite winning one penalty.

Ahead of him, Anastasios Douvikas provides the penalty-box presence:

• 36 appearances (23 starts), 2,113 minutes.
• 13 goals and 1 assist.
• 44 shots, 27 on target.
• Solid link play with 308 passes and 22 key passes.

Douvikas has a more efficient penalty record, scoring 1 and missing 0. With Como as a team converting 4 of 4 penalties this season, he is a reliable option if they draw fouls in the area.

Structurally, expect Como to build with their double pivot protecting a back four, full-backs providing width, and Paz plus wide players feeding Douvikas. Their strong clean-sheet record suggests they are comfortable defending higher up the pitch, trusting their shape and pressing triggers rather than sitting deep.

Tactical snapshot: Parma

Parma’s season has been defined by defensive fragility and attacking scarcity:

• In the league: 10 wins, 12 draws, 14 defeats.
• Goals for: 27 (0.8 per game).
• Goals against: 45 (1.3 per game).
• Away record: 6 wins, 6 draws, 6 losses, 12-20 on goals.
• Clean sheets: 12 overall, 8 away – a notable contrast to their home struggles.

The away record is intriguing: despite scoring just 12 in 18 away games, Parma have managed 6 wins and 8 clean sheets on the road. That points to a compact, counter-attacking approach that can be effective when they are not forced to take the initiative.

Tactically, they are flexible but with a clear bias towards back-three systems:

• 3-5-2 used 17 times.
• 4-3-3 used 6 times.
• 3-4-2-1 used 4 times.
• Several other shapes (3-1-4-2, 4-4-2, 3-4-3, etc.) used occasionally.

The key attacking reference is Mateo Pellegrino:

• 35 appearances (32 starts), 2,811 minutes.
• 8 goals and 1 assist.
• 50 shots, 21 on target.
• 504 duels, 215 won – heavily involved in physical battles.
• 63 fouls drawn, 80 committed – a constant focal point for long balls and direct play.

Pellegrino’s profile suggests Parma will not hesitate to go direct, using him to hold up play, win free-kicks and bring midfield runners into the game. He has scored 1 penalty and missed 0, adding a composed option from the spot if they get a rare opportunity in the box.

Defensively, Parma’s card profile hints at potential discipline issues, especially late in games. They pick up many yellow cards between 46-60 and 76-90 minutes, and have four red cards spread across the season. That could be a factor if Como sustain pressure and force desperate challenges.

Head-to-head: recent history

Looking only at competitive matches (Serie A and Serie B), the last five meetings between Como and Parma show a finely balanced rivalry:

1. 25 October 2025, Stadio Ennio Tardini (Serie A): Parma 0-0 Como – draw.
2. 3 May 2025, Stadio Ennio Tardini (Serie A): Parma 0-1 Como – Como win.
3. 19 October 2024, Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia (Serie A): Como 1-1 Parma – draw.
4. 24 February 2024, Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia (Serie B): Como 1-1 Parma – draw.
5. 20 October 2023, Stadio Ennio Tardini (Serie B): Parma 2-1 Como – Parma win.

Across these five competitive fixtures:

• Como wins: 1
• Parma wins: 1
• Draws: 3

The pattern is tight, low-scoring and evenly matched, with no side clearly dominating. Notably, both meetings at Sinigaglia in 2024 finished 1-1, suggesting Parma are comfortable enough at this venue to take something if Como are not clinical.

Key battles and game script

• Como attack vs Parma away block: Como’s 34 home goals and high shot volume from Paz and Douvikas will test a Parma side that concedes 1.1 goals per away game but has 8 away clean sheets. If Parma sit in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1, the spaces between wing-backs and wide centre-backs will be crucial zones for Paz to exploit.
• Midfield intensity: Paz’s 91 tackles and 439 duels underline his work rate. Against Parma’s often crowded midfield, his ability to win second balls and drive forward could tilt territory and momentum in Como’s favour.
• Set pieces and direct play: Parma’s reliance on Pellegrino as a duel-heavy target suggests they will look for set-pieces and long diagonals. Como’s strong defensive record (only 28 conceded in 36) indicates they generally handle such approaches well, but concentration on second balls around the box will be vital.
• Discipline and late-game phases: Como have seen three red cards, all in the 76-90 minute range, while Parma’s reds are spread but include one in the 76-90 window as well. With both sides prone to late-card incidents, the final quarter could become chaotic if the match is still finely poised.

The verdict

On the balance of the data, Como enter as clear favourites. They are higher in the league, score more than twice as many goals as Parma, and boast a far superior goal difference and defensive record. Their home numbers – 34 scored, 15 conceded, 9 wins from 18 – combine with the individual form of Paz and Douvikas to suggest they have the tools to break down even a stubborn Parma away setup.

Parma’s best route to a result lies in replicating their away resilience: compact shape, disciplined defending, and maximising moments for Pellegrino in transition or on set pieces. Their record of 6 away wins and 8 clean sheets shows they can execute that plan, but their overall lack of goals and Como’s consistency make an upset less likely.

Expect Como to control territory and possession, gradually increasing pressure. If they convert one of their chances before the hour mark, their defensive solidity should be enough to see them over the line. Parma have the capacity to keep it close, but all indicators point towards a narrow but deserved home win that keeps Como on course for Europa League football.