Como 1907 stunned league leaders SSC Napoli on February 23, 2025, winning 2-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The match was marked by outstanding performances from young players, most notable being Assane Diao, who scored the winning goal.
The game kicked off with Napoli initially appearing dominant, but it was Como who drew first blood when Napoli defender Amir Rrhamani inadvertently scored an own goal in the seventh minute. This unexpected turn of events gave Como an early lead, bolstering the home team's spirits. Napoli responded quickly, leveling the match just ten minutes later when Giacomo Raspadori took advantage of confusion and slotted the ball past Como's keeper, Marco Butez.
Despite the equalizer, Como's tactical approach under coach Cesc Fabregas paid off. They played defensively in the first half, absorbing pressure as Napoli sought to reclaim control. The excitement escalated when Diao, having been relatively quiet throughout parts of the game, became the architect of Como's victory.
It was the 77th minute when Diao struck, driving home his fifth goal of the season. The play began with Nico Paz, who delivered a perfectly timed assist. Diao, displaying impeccable composure, faked to his right before firing a precise low shot past Napoli's goalkeeper, Alex Meret. The jubilant celebrations from Diao and his teammates underscored the importance of this goal, not just for the match but for Diao's burgeoning career.
Assane Diao's impact on the match was recognized across Serie A, being named MVP for his decisive goal. Remarkably, at just 19 years old, Diao has set records as the youngest player to have scored more than five goals across the five major European leagues this season. His performance has certainly turned heads, especially considering Como's substantial investment of around 12 million euros to secure him from Real Betis earlier this year.
“I’m having fun, even during training, and I believe it shows on the pitch,” Diao told Dazn after the match. “I have to thank everyone for what I’m doing. It’s not important who scores; what matters is scoring and doing well as a team.” His humility and recognition of his team's efforts highlight a maturity beyond his years.
Diao also credited Fabregas's coaching philosophy, saying, “I need to be free on the field. I feel the trust from the coach, and this makes me feel good.” This trust evidently paid off, as Como effectively neutralized Napoli's midfield dominance throughout the match, leading to their unexpected win.
The victory was also strategically beneficial for Como, pulling them out of the relegation zone and giving Inter Milan some breathing room at the top of the league. Such outcomes reflect Como's gradual improvement, with the club showcasing their potential to disrupt the hopes of higher-ranked teams.
While Napoli has long enjoyed their position as league frontrunners, this defeat raises questions about their recent form. Missing key players could have contributed to the dip, as they struggled to find the back of the net with consistent effectiveness. Contrast this with Como’s youthful exuberance, embodied by players like Paz and Diao, who continue to thrive under pressure.
Looking forward, this match places Como firmly on the radar for upcoming fixtures. With their young talents performing at such high levels, Como fans have much to anticipate. Diao's future looks promising, and his contribution on the field is likely only to grow as he gains more experience and confidence.
The season is not over yet, and with performances like Diao’s on display, Como may well be poised for even more thrilling matches as they battle for supremacy in Serie A.