Costacurta backs two Serie A sides to surprise in Champions League

Alessandro Costacurta has given his predictions ahead of the start of the Champions League, believes that one of six or seven sides are able to win it, including Inter, and that Como are set to be the surprise package of this season’s competition.

Costacurta tips Inter and Como for Champions League success in 2026-27 The legendary former Milan defender and Sky Sport Italia regular shared his thoughts ahead of the new Champions League campaign in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 01: Zinedine Zidane places the Champions League Trophy onto the plinth after the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Final match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid CF at Wembley Stadium on June 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Before giving his tips, Costacurta explained how he and his Sky colleagues decide which games to cover in their TV coverage.

“Each of us chooses one,” Costacurta explained. “Mister Capello has the first pick, it goes in terms of seniority. Then It’s my turn and then Boban, Del Piero or Di Canio. Obviously the Italian matches have priority, but if there’s a PSG-Barcelona for example, we’ll all keep an eye on it.”

Unsurprisingly, the reigning Serie A champions, Inter, are billed as the strongest Italian side in the competition this season.

Costacurta agrees with that assessment and says that after a strong summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of John Stones, Curtis Jones and Djed Spence, the Nerazzurri are now among the category of teams that are in with a genuine shout of going all the way.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 22: John Stones of Internazionale shakes hands with Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale before coming on as a substitute during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) “Inter are the ones I’m following with the most interest because they should finish further than the rest of them. They’ve had a great transfer window, they’re able to compete with the strongest.

“A few weeks ago, I’d have said that there are six or seven sides better than them, but today, I think it’s fewer because Spence and Curtis Jones are two excellent signings. Inter are a solid team, will be difficult to beat, and with a bit of luck, they can go all the way.”

Costacurta believes that the other surprise package to come out of Italy this year will be Cesc Fabregas’s Como side.

“Then there’s Como, of course. They will find it difficult because they have so many young players, but they have the energy and enthusiasm. Nobody can convince me that they won’t get to the round of 16, though.”

COMO, ITALY – MAY 17: Cesc Fabregas Head coach of Como 1907 celebrates the win at end of the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images) And what about the overall favourites to win the Champions League in 2026-27?

“PSG remain the no.1 team in Europe, even after the loss of Barcola,” says Costacurta. “I’d also follow Barcelona and Real Madrid closely because they have wonderful players. Barca have strengthened with Rodri. They are that sort of team that can look a little shaky in the defensive phase, but they are scary up front. Their games can end up at 3-2, 4-3, but always two goals in favour of the Catalans.

“To sum it up, it’s PSG, the two Spanish sides and one or two English teams, Bayern and Inter.”