Como's Nico Paz and Assane Diao Shine Against Napoli, Leading Their Team to Victory
The Serie A clash between Como and Napoli saw the two young talents, Nico Paz and Assane Diao, leave their mark on the match. Both players played pivotal roles, showcasing their skills and helping Como clinch an impressive victory, which marked their intent to shake up the league.
Nico Paz, aged 19, has been on the radar since joining Como, having made waves with his impressive technique and intelligence on the pitch. He delivered yet another standout performance, contributing significantly to Como's strategies and execution. Paz has been prolific throughout the season, scoring six goals and providing five assists. His ability to read the game and anticipate movements has drawn comparisons to seasoned professionals and has certainly caught the attention of the national team, where he is already under consideration.
Assane Diao, only 18 years old, has not been far behind with his contributions. After joining Como this summer from Betis Sevilla for £12 million, he wasted no time making his presence felt. With five goals in just eight appearances for Como and his first matches in Serie A, Diao proved his worth to the team and to the watching scouts. His instinctive scoring ability has already seen him become part of the conversation around potential future stars of European football.
The matchup against Napoli was particularly important, as Como aimed to build on their recent win against Fiorentina. Coach Cesc Fabregas opted for tactical innovation by deploying Paz as a false nine, moving regular striker Patrick Cutrone to the bench. This strategic decision allowed Como to leverage Paz’s ceaseless movement and creativity, opening up spaces for Diao and other teammates to exploit.
Paz's ability to locate himself effectively on the field was evident throughout the match. His performance was reminiscent of his first goal with the national team, scoring against Napoli last year during Champions League play with a stunning long-range effort. This time, he turned provider, assisting Diao for his goal, emphasizing his all-around skill set.
Napoli came out strong and responded to early setbacks during the game. A mistake at the back allowed Como to take the lead, before Napoli equalized with Jack Raspadori finding the net. The match began to tighten as both teams pressed for dominance, yet Como regained the upper hand thanks to Diao’s excellent finishing, set up by Paz's astute through ball.
Como's second goal came as the team consolidated its territory and built from the back, where Paz was instrumental. His vision unlocked Napoli's defense, as Diao capitalized on the chance with calm precision, much to the delight of the home fans.
While the spotlight was on Paz and Diao, Fabregas’ tactics proved to be absolutely significant. The change to a 4-3-3 formation not only allowed more fluidity going forward but also helped the team deal with Napoli's aggressive pressing. Cutting space out for Napoli’s defenders and ensuring they had to contend with the pace and intelligence of Paz and Diao kept them on the back foot.
The victory against Napoli, who are currently at the top of the league, is already being seen as concrete proof of Como's ambitions this season. Both Paz and Diao have earned their stripes on this grand stage and solidified Como's position within the league standings. Their collaborative efforts were not just about individual accolades but were instrumental for the team, raising the spirits of the entire squad.
Looking forward, Como’s management appears eager to retain both players amid rising interest from stronger clubs who may look to capitalize on their growing reputations. Negotiations are likely to ensue, especially concerning Paz, who currently has Real Madrid holding half of his rights, with the club weighing its options on securing the player’s future.
With a bright future lying ahead for both Paz and Diao, Como fans can afford to dream big. The excitement around their performances no longer revolves merely around avoiding relegation but possibly climbing up the standings and making their mark among Italy’s elite. Each match they play will be closely monitored, as the danger they pose to defenses continues to grow.
It’s clear—the young duo might just change the script for Como as they strive for success under the experienced guidance of Fabregas.