Serie A, Matchday 12: Como Overtakes Juventus, Milan Wins Derby as Scudetto Race Widens

Matchday 12 of Serie A delivered an exciting finale with the postponed Torino-Como clash and Sassuolo-Pisa, alongside other matches played over the weekend and Monday. With the standings now updated, the league presents an increasingly balanced and thrilling picture—both at the top and in the relegation battle.

Como overtakes Juventus in the standings

Como, the surprise team of the 2025/26 season, pulled off a stunning 4-0 victory over Torino in the final postponed match of Matchday 12. The team, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, has shown remarkable consistency, suffering just one league defeat and boasting the best defense alongside Roma, with only six goals conceded. The win over Torino—who struggled again without Giovanni Simeone—propelled Como past Juventus in the table, lifting them to sixth place with 21 points and firmly into European contention. Torino remains stuck on 14 points after this heavy home defeat.

Milan derby: Milan prevails 1-0 over Inter

The Derby della Madonnina had major implications for the title race, with Milan securing a 1-0 win at San Siro thanks to a 54th-minute goal from Christian Pulisic, capitalizing on a rapid second-half counterattack. Inter hit the woodwork twice and missed a penalty through Calhanoglu—saved by Maignan—but failed to equalize. The victory moves Milan to 25 points, just two behind league leaders Roma (27 points after a 3-1 away win over Cremonese). The match also sealed the dismissal of Inter manager Chivu, who had been under increasing pressure.

Other results and standings implications

Elsewhere, Parma defeated Verona 2-1 away, Lazio secured a 2-0 home win over Lecce, and Roma dominated Cremonese 3-1 to strengthen their lead. Napoli continued their strong form with a 3-1 win over Atalanta, while Fiorentina held Juventus to a 1-1 draw, leaving the Bianconeri disappointed as they dropped a place in favor of Como. The current standings see Roma top with 27 points, followed by Milan and Napoli (25), Inter (24), and Bologna (24). Como (21) now sits just ahead of Juventus (20), making the European race wide open with more twists expected in the coming weeks.

Tactical focus and future outlook

Como continues to impress with their 4-2-3-1 formation and the leadership of Nico Paz, the breakout star of the season. Torino, despite a strong start, is severely missing Simeone, their most effective attacking outlet. At the top, Allegri’s Milan displays defensive solidity and pragmatism—key traits for their Scudetto challenge against Roma and Napoli. Meanwhile, Serie A prepares for potential schedule adjustments, with FIGC president Gabriele Gravina expressing optimism about Italy’s 2026 World Cup playoff qualification without league postponements, though national team training camps in February remain a possibility.

Matchday 12 further confirmed Serie A’s competitiveness this season, with emerging teams defying expectations and traditional powerhouses fighting for consistency. Fans can look forward to an action-packed end to the first half of the season, featuring Como’s unexpected rise and the historic Milan derby reigniting the Scudetto race.