Ivan Smolcic
COM
Goes unused against Roma
Smolcic (illness) wasn't utilized in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Roma.
Analysis: Smolcic was good to go despite a virus but stayed on the bench for the third straight match. He is significantly trailing Yan Couto at right-back at the moment, but the upcoming busy schedule could help him get some action.
Available off bench against Roma
Smolcic (illness) is available off the bench for Sunday's Serie A clash against AS Roma after recovering from the illness that affected him during the international break.
Analysis: Smolcic returns to the matchday squad after recovering from an illness that forced him to miss one of Croatia's international fixtures. The defender has made just two brief Serie A appearances this season, recording two interceptions, four clearances and two tackles (one won), with Yan Couto remaining the preferred option at right-back. Smolcic is likely to continue serving as a backup, although Como's upcoming busy schedule could provide him with additional opportunities for playing time.
Available for Roma game
Smolcic (illness) has been training regularly since returning from international duty and will be an option against Roma on Sunday, Tuttomercatoweb reported.
Analysis: Smolcic sat out one Croatia game because of an illness, but he shook it off quickly. He has made just two short cameos so far, notching two interceptions, four clearances and two tackles (one won), as Yan Couto has dominated the position, but he should get more opportunities during the upcoming busy stretch of games.
Leaves Croatia camp with illness
Smolcic has left Croatia's camp after catching a virus and will not be available for the match against Spain at Poljud on Tuesday, according to Germanijak.
Analysis: Smolcic earned a start and went the full 90 in the 4-1 loss to Spain in Seville, getting an opportunity under the new coach. The appearance marked his third cap and his return to the national team after being left out of the World Cup squad. His illness should not keep him sidelined at club level for long, though his fitness will be worth monitoring once Como resumes play. Smolcic has logged just 49 minutes off the bench across all competitions for Como this season, so a potential absence is unlikely to impact the starting XI.
Active on both ends against Napoli
Smolcic won three of three tackles and had two crosses (one accurate), two interceptions and three chances created in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Napoli.
Analysis: Smolcic was on point in both phases, setting a new season high in key passes and holding his own in the back. He's running away with the starting job despite the competition coming from Ignace Van der Brempt and Mergim Vojvoda. He has gotten the call in four of the last five contests, registering five key passes, eight crosses and 10 tackles (eight won) and contributing to two clean sheets.
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