Mattia Liberali Injury Doubt Affects Como's Attack for Sassuolo Match

Como’s surge into Serie A’s upper tier has been driven by bold football and emerging talent. One of the brightest of those talents, Mattia Liberali, is now a major doubt for Saturday’s home clash with Sassuolo – and the timing could hardly be worse.

The 20-year-old felt a muscle problem during the warm-up before Como’s 4-1 dismantling of Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday, according to Gazzetta. He stayed on the bench all night, not as a tactical snub, but as a precaution once that discomfort appeared. The stadium roared, Como ran riot, yet one of their most intriguing young attackers never crossed the white line.

Medical tests are scheduled for today. The early indications, again reported by Gazzetta, are bleak for the weekend: Liberali is considered highly unlikely to make the squad for Sassuolo.

It’s a frustrating twist just as his season had caught fire.

In Florence last week, under the lights of the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Liberali announced himself to Serie A. Given his first start for Como, the former Milan and Catanzaro prospect seized it, scoring in a 3-1 win over Fiorentina and opening his league account. It was the sort of performance that hinted at a player ready to become a regular influence, not just a promising name on the teamsheet.

Now Como may have to recalibrate without him.

The timing bites harder because the Azzurri are already short in the forward department. Moise Kean is out. Assane Diao is sidelined as well. With two attacking options already missing, losing Liberali – who offers mobility, technical quality and a direct threat from midfield and wide areas – strips another layer from Como’s offensive armoury.

This is a side that has earned the right to dream. Seven games in, Como sit fifth in Serie A with 14 points, built on four wins, two draws and just one defeat. They have done it with courage, with an eagerness to attack, and with contributions spread across a relatively thin squad.

That thinness now faces a serious examination.

Sassuolo Test

Sassuolo’s visit will test both Como’s depth and their adaptability. Without Kean, Diao and almost certainly Liberali, the creative and finishing burden shifts heavier onto the remaining forwards and advanced midfielders. Rotations from midweek European exertions suddenly look less like luxury and more like necessity.

For Liberali, the hope will be that the early precaution in the Champions League prevents a minor issue from becoming something far more damaging. For Como, the question is sharper: can a team that has climbed into the top five keep its edge when its attacking options are being stripped away, one by one?