Como shocked Serie A fans with a stunning 2-1 victory over league leaders Napoli at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 23, 2025. This unexpected defeat for Napoli allowed Inter Milan to take over the top position, leaving the Neapolitans feeling the pressure as they prepare for a pivotal clash with their Milanese rivals next week.
The match started disastrously for Napoli when defender Amir Rrahmani inadvertently scored an own goal just seven minutes in, sending the home crowd wild. Attempting to pass back to his goalkeeper, Rrahmani's misplaced ball found the net instead, giving Como their first lead of the match.
Despite this early setback, Napoli responded quickly. Within ten minutes, Giacomo Raspadori leveled the score with a well-timed strike, capitalizing on defensive disarray among Como's ranks. The 17-year-old forward evaded the keeper, Jean Butez, and found the back of the net to restore parity for his team.
After the equalizer, Como’s resilience shone through. Nico Paz’s flair and vision became apparent as the game progressed. The Spanish U-21 international played critically well, providing decisive plays throughout the match, but his finest moment came late. With just 13 minutes remaining, he assisted Assane Diao for the winning goal, following an impeccable counterattack.
"I am proud of my players," Como coach Cesc Fàbregas said after the match, praising the effort of his young team. Diao's goal, coming from Paz's perfect setup, was not only his fifth goal this season but also served to underline Como's rise, as they’ve now moved comfortably away from the relegation zone, seven points clear, and they are enjoying their second consecutive win.
The disappointment was palpable for Napoli and their manager, Antonio Conte. "It has been difficult due to injuries," he lamented, highlighting the squad’s challenging circumstances as they lost key players including Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. With this latest setback, Napoli now finds itself winless over four matches, creating urgency heading to their next fixture against Inter Milan.
Looking forward, Napoli will have to regroup and find their rhythm against Inter if they have hopes of reclaiming the lead. Como, on the other hand, will seek to build on this momentum when they face AS Roma next.
Napoli’s aspirations for the Serie A title have taken a hit after this encounter, leaving many to question whether they can bounce back as the pressure mounts. With Inter Milan's recent surge and upcoming game being critically decisive not just for points, but for morale, every player on the Napoli roster must rise to the occasion.
Overall, Como has sent out a clear message with their victory over Napoli: they are not to be underestimated, and their blend of youth and talent under Fàbregas's guidance promises to make this season unpredictable.