Como delivered a stunning upset against Napoli, winning 2-1 at the Stadio Sinigaglia, leaving Napoli reeling and slipping down the Serie A standings. The victory was marked by standout performances from players like Nico Paz and Assane Diao, who both played pivotal roles.
From the outset, the match was filled with drama. Naples, who needed the win to stay at the top of the Serie A table, stumbled early when Napoli's defender Rrahmani scored a comical own goal just 7 minutes in. Attempting to execute a routine clearance, Rrahmani miscalculated and sent the ball past his goalkeeper Meret, putting Como on the scoreboard.
Despite the setback, Napoli responded quickly enough, equalizing just ten minutes later. The scoring came courtesy of Giacomo Raspadori, who took advantage of some disorganized defense from Como. A back pass from Da Cunha was intercepted by Raspadori, who then slid the ball home, leveling the scores at 1-1.
But Como wasn’t deterred by the equalizer. They continued to press forward, demonstrating tactical awareness and aggression. Assane Diao would go on to score the match-winner at the 77th minute with his fifth goal in just eight appearances since joining Como from Real Betis Sevilla. The play was beautiful, as Nico Paz threaded through the Napoli defense, providing Diao with the perfect opportunity to shoot low past Meret, restoring Como's lead and sealing their victory.
Como's head coach, Cesc Fabregas, celebrated his tactical triumph over former manager Antonio Conte, whose Napoli squad failed to secure their place at the Serie A summit. Fabregas’ side had now won two games consecutively, significantly improving their standing and spirit as they climbed to 13th place, now with 28 points.
Antonio Conte, returning to the touchline with high hopes, must reflect on his team's newfound difficulties. The loss to Como marked his side's fourth game without victory, creating mounting pressure as they slipped from title contention. They now sit at 56 points—one point behind local rivals Inter Milan, who recently claimed the top position with their own win.
Analyzing the match even closer, it became evident which players shined and who faltered. For Como, Nico Paz was awarded the Best Player of the match, showcasing his flair and vision throughout. Diao, gaining confidence, secured second place on the scoresheet, demonstrating his knack for finding the back of the net.
Conversely, Napoli's Rrahmani faced ridicule for his blunder, with broadcaster and online commentators highlighting the error as one of the more unforgettable blunders seen this season. Marco Lukaku's performance was also widely criticized, as he struggled to make any significant impact during the match.
With the Serie A race wide open, the disappointment for Napoli’s fans increases as their team gears up for the upcoming clash against Inter. Any hopes of reclaiming the top spot will depend significantly on their ability to regroup and address the challenges presented by other Serie A rivals, including their direct competitors.
This thrilling encounter at Como is yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, and how, on any matchday, giants can fall and underdogs can shine. While Como may continue to build on this success, Napoli must find answers quickly if they hope to avoid slipping even farther down the standings.