Assane Diao eyes historic Coppa Italia final as Como meet Inter

Como travel to face Inter Milan on Tuesday evening in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, with Assane Diao and his teammates still dreaming of reaching a first-ever final after a goalless draw in the opening match.

The tie remains finely balanced following the 0-0 result in the first leg, but Como now face a far tougher task at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, where they will need to secure a landmark victory to progress.

Como’s form has dipped at a crucial stage of the season. After a strong start to the calendar year, the side have gone three league matches without a win, including back-to-back defeats.

That run has seen them drop to fifth in Serie A, losing ground in the battle for Champions League qualification.

Despite recent setbacks, the campaign remains a significant one for the club under coach Cesc Fàbregas, with progress in the cup offering a chance to end the season on a high.

Como have already impressed in the competition, eliminating Sassuolo, Fiorentina and Napoli on their way to the semi-finals, giving them belief that another upset is possible.

However, their next opponents represent a significant step up. Inter Milan, who have already beaten Como heavily in previous meetings this season, are enjoying a strong campaign and sit comfortably at the top of Serie A with a commanding lead in the title race.

The two sides have already met multiple times this season, with Inter dominating earlier encounters.

That history adds further difficulty to Como’s challenge, but also motivation as they seek revenge and a place in the final.

Inter’s momentum has also returned following their exit from European competition earlier in the season, and they now remain focused on completing a domestic double.

For Como and Diao, the task is clear: overcome one of Italy’s strongest sides and continue a cup run that has already surpassed expectations.