Milan staged a tactical comeback to beat Como 3–1, with Rabiot starring and key implications for the title race.
The mid-January chill along the shores of Lago di Como gave way to a night of intense Serie A drama on 15 January 2026, when Como hosted AC Milan at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. What began as a tricky test for the Rossoneri quickly unfolded into a narrative familiar to fans of tactical patience: Milan’s experience ultimately outgunned Como’s spirited challenge to claim a 3–1 victory and assert their title credentials.
From the first whistle, this was more than a routine league fixture. Milan, sitting near the summit and chasing leaders Inter, needed the points to stay in the title conversation, while Como — buoyed by their surprisingly strong league position — saw the clash as an opportunity to prove they belong in Italy’s top tier beyond mere survival.
Como’s Early Spark and Milan’s Response
Como’s intention was clear from the outset: disrupt Milan’s rhythm with compact pressing and quick transitions. That plan bore fruit early when Marc-Oliver Kempf rose to meet a set-piece and put the hosts ahead in the 10th minute, a goal that briefly silenced the traveling contingent and set the tone for an unexpectedly open contest.
Milan’s response was methodical rather than frantic. With possession statistics skewed in Milan’s favour yet lacking penetration in the final third, it was a moment of individual precision that delivered the equaliser just before the break. Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty at 45+1’ — a reward for persistence after Kempf fouled Adrien Rabiot inside the box.
Tactical Pivot and Rossoneri Control
The second half saw Milan adjust subtly — a shift toward diagonal ball progression and quick overloads in wide channels that stretched Como’s midfield block. Rabiot, increasingly influential between the lines, finished a composed Milan move in the 55th minute to put the visitors in front.
As Como’s energy dipped, Milan’s tactical discipline grew. The deployment of a rigid 3-5-2 shape — symptomatic of Massimiliano Allegri’s pragmatism this season — ensured that when possession was turned over, the transitions were dangerous and orchestrated. Rabiot’s second, a low-driven strike in the 88th minute, was as much a statement of control as it was a match-sealing finish.
Standout Performances
Milan’s resilience hinged on Adrien Rabiot’s commanding presence in midfield — driving forward, shielding the defence, and ultimately delivering goals that swung the result. Mike Maignan also played a crucial role, his early saves keeping Milan in the game before their tactical ascendancy fully manifested.
For Como, Kempf’s early header and rearguard work reflected tactical discipline and attacking intent from set pieces. Their high-energy phases suggested a side capable of competing physically in Serie A, even if the tactical sophistication of Milan proved ultimately decisive.
What This Result Means
Milan’s victory — achieved in a manner that balanced patience with tactical flexibility — keeps them firmly in the Serie A title hunt, remaining close to the leaders and underlining their credentials as genuine contenders. For Como, the performance reinforces their status as one of the league’s more intriguing mid-table outfits, capable of pushing established sides hard, but still needing consistency to convert promise into tangible progression.
In a season where margins at the top are razor-thin, this game was a reminder that experience, tactical adaptation, and moments of individual brilliance often decide the tightest of contests in Serie A. As the winter break gives way to the run-in, both teams carry distinct lessons from this compelling encounter.