Hellas Verona vs Como: Serie A Clash on 10 May 2026

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi hosts a clash of contrasting realities on 10 May 2026, as 19th-placed Hellas Verona welcome high-flying Como in Serie A. With Verona marooned in the relegation zone on 20 points and Como sitting 6th on 62 points and chasing European qualification, the stakes are clear: survival pride versus the consolidation of a remarkable season.

Context and stakes

In the league, Verona’s campaign has unravelled into a grim relegation battle. Three wins from 35 matches, a goal difference of -33 and a form line of “DDLLL” tell the story of a side unable to turn draws into victories and now heavily reliant on a late surge that has never arrived.

Como, by contrast, are one of the season’s revelations. Sixth place with 17 wins, 11 draws and only 7 defeats, plus a +31 goal difference, underpins their current description in the table: “Promotion - Conference League (Qualification)”. With just three games left, every point at Bentegodi is vital to protect that European slot from challengers below.

Hellas Verona: damage limitation and structure

Across all phases, Verona’s numbers are brutal: 24 goals scored and 57 conceded in 35 matches, averaging just 0.7 goals for and 1.6 against per game. At home they have been particularly fragile: only 1 win in 17, with 5 draws and 11 defeats, scoring 12 and conceding 25.

Their season-long form string (“DLDDLLDDLLDLLWWLLDLLDLLDLLLWLLLLLDD”) shows only brief, isolated positivity: a maximum winning streak of just two games, overwhelmed by a longest losing streak of five. They have failed to score in 18 of 35 matches and kept only 6 clean sheets, underlining both an anaemic attack and a defence under constant strain.

Tactically, Verona are a back-three team almost by default. The 3-5-2 has been used in 25 matches, with occasional switches to 3-4-2-1 and 3-5-1-1. That structure suggests a low-to-mid block, wing-backs tasked with covering huge distances, and an attempt to congest central areas rather than press high.

The “biggest” results data sketches their ceiling and floor: their best home win is 3-1, while their heaviest home defeat is 0-3. The fact their highest-scoring performance at Bentegodi features just three goals for, and that they have reached that tally only once, reinforces how rarely they overpower opponents.

Discipline may also shape the tactical plan. Verona’s yellow-card distribution spikes between 31-60 minutes, and they have collected red cards in early (0-15), mid (46-60) and late (76-90) phases. That pattern hints at a side often chasing games, forced into risky challenges and occasionally losing composure as fatigue and frustration set in.

One small positive: from the spot, Verona have been reliable. Their penalty stats show 3 taken and 3 scored, with no misses. That reliability could be crucial if they manage to force set-piece pressure in a tight game.

Como: controlled aggression and attacking variety

Como travel as one of Serie A’s most balanced outfits. Across all phases, they have scored 59 and conceded just 28, averaging 1.7 goals for and 0.8 against per match. Away from home they remain robust: 8 wins, 5 draws, 4 defeats, with 25 scored and only 13 conceded.

Their form string (“WLDWDDWDWDDWWLLWWWDLWWDLDWWWWWDLLWD”) is that of a team accustomed to taking points. A longest winning streak of five matches and 17 clean sheets across the season underline their ability to control games and close them out. They have failed to score in only 9 of 35, a stark contrast to Verona.

Tactically, Como are built around a 4-2-3-1, used in 31 matches. That base suggests a double pivot to stabilise transitions, full-backs providing width, and a creative No.10 linking midfield and attack. They have occasionally shifted to 3-4-2-1 or 4-3-3, but the identity is clear: structured possession, vertical passes into the attacking midfield line, and enough cover to keep the back line protected.

In attack, two key figures stand out from the data:

• Nicolás Paz: 12 goals and 6 assists from midfield in 34 appearances, with a 7.32 average rating. He has taken 86 shots (48 on target) and created 51 key passes, while also contributing 89 tackles and 28 interceptions. That profile screams all-action playmaker: someone who can arrive late in the box, shoot from range, and still contribute defensively in the press and counter-press.
• Anastasios Douvikas: 12 goals and 1 assist in 35 appearances, often operating as the central attacker. His 43 shots (26 on target) and 21 key passes suggest a finisher who also links play. Importantly, his penalty record this season is 1 scored, 0 missed, giving Como a reliable taker when Paz – who has missed 2 penalties and scored none – is not on duty.

Behind them, Como’s defensive numbers are elite for a side outside the title race: 28 goals conceded in 35 matches, 0.8 per game, and a maximum goals-against in a single away defeat of 4-0. Their biggest away win (1-5) shows that when they click, they can be ruthless in transition.

Discipline-wise, Como accumulate yellows steadily across the match, with a slight rise in the final quarter-hour, and all three of their red cards have come between 76-90 minutes. That hints at late-game tension when protecting leads, something Verona might try to exploit with late pressure if the scoreline is tight.

From the spot, Como have also been perfect this season: 4 penalties taken, 4 scored, with no misses. Combined with their open-play threat, that makes any defensive error in the box potentially decisive for Verona.

Head-to-head: Como with the edge

The recent competitive history between these sides in Serie A is short but revealing, with three league meetings across 2024 and 2025:

• 29 September 2024, Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia – Como 3-2 Hellas Verona (home win for Como).
• 18 May 2025, Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi – Hellas Verona 1-1 Como (draw).
• 29 October 2025, Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia – Como 3-1 Hellas Verona (home win for Como).

Over these last three league encounters, Como have 2 wins, Verona have 0, and there has been 1 draw. Both of Como’s victories have come with them scoring three goals, underlining a consistent attacking edge in this match-up.

Tactical battle on the day

Verona’s back three will likely sit deep, with wing-backs pinned by Como’s wide players and attacking midfielder. The home side’s best route into the game is through compactness, forcing Como into wide areas and relying on crosses rather than central combinations for Paz and Douvikas.

However, Verona’s low scoring rate and frequent failures to find the net mean they cannot afford to concede first and chase the game recklessly. Their card profile and previous red cards suggest that once they are stretched, discipline can become a problem.

Como, in their 4-2-3-1, will look to dominate territory and possession, using the double pivot to recycle the ball and free Paz between the lines. The Argentine’s shooting volume and creativity, combined with Douvikas’ penalty-box instincts, are a clear mismatch against a defence that concedes 1.6 goals per match and has already shipped 32 away from home.

Set pieces may be another key battleground. Verona’s limited attacking output makes corners and free-kicks crucial, while Como’s defensive solidity and clean-sheet record suggest they are comfortable defending such situations.

The verdict

All available data points in the same direction. In the league, Verona are struggling badly at both ends of the pitch, with one home win all season and a chronic scoring problem. Como arrive with European ambitions, a positive away record, a solid defence, and two double-digit scorers in Paz and Douvikas.

At Bentegodi, Verona’s desperation and home crowd may keep them competitive for stretches, but over 90 minutes Como’s structure, form and attacking quality should prevail. The most logical expectation is an away win, with Como likely to score at least once and Verona needing an unusually efficient performance to take anything from the game.