Frosinone take on Como at the Stirpe at 15:00, with the international break waiting beyond a fixture that carries different ambitions for two sides determined to keep moving forward.
For Frosinone, the occasion comes immediately after the club’s 98th birthday. Founded on 19 September 1928, the Ciociari are looking for a third consecutive positive result and would welcome a performance worthy of the anniversary.
Quick facts
- Frosinone host Como in the final match before the international break.
- It is Como’s first Serie A meeting with Frosinone.
- Raimondo is aiming for his fifth goal before joining Italy Under-21 duty.
- Grillitsch and Terzic are unavailable for Frosinone.
- Como captain Da Cunha has received his first call-up to the new France squad under Zidane.
Massimiliano Alvini’s team approach the match in good condition, convinced that their intensity and aggressive man-to-man work can unsettle a Como side arriving with momentum. Raimondo has made clear that respect for the visitors will not alter Frosinone’s approach: the team have their own identity and intend to fight for points.
The striker has another personal target before leaving for the Under-21 national team, with a fifth goal in his sights. Behind him, Alvini has only limited selection uncertainty.
The principal decision is in central defence, where Cittadini and Monterisi are competing to partner Calvani. Ghedjemis is expected to retain his place in the front three, although Fini is pushing to return after starting each of the opening three matches.
Grillitsch and Terzic will miss out, depriving the coach of two experienced technical options. On the left, Frosinone will also look to Kvernadze, one of their most productive players in the early part of the campaign.
Como have been warned that this will not be a routine away afternoon. Cesc Fabregas has placed the trip among the five hardest assignments of the season, recognising a contest between two teams prepared to play with attacking intent and young players keen to leave their mark.
The Como coach’s main choices concern both full-back positions, one place in midfield and the centre-forward role. The attacking line behind the striker is expected to remain unchanged at the outset, with Diao, Paz and Baturina set to start before departing for international commitments on Monday.
Da Cunha is also due to leave after his first France call-up under Zidane. Perrone is marginally favoured over Milla to play alongside the captain in midfield.
At right-back, Smolcic could be selected ahead of Couto to offer a more restrained and positional answer to Kvernadze’s threat. On the opposite flank, Kaiki is ahead of Valle after scoring his first goal for Como against Parma.
In attack, Douvikas appears set to begin, with Kean ready to enter later. The shape of the teams may be settled before kick-off, but the wider chapter remains open: Frosinone want an anniversary-week result, while Como seek to underline that their rise can travel.
