On February 23, 2025, Serie A action returns with Como facing off against Napoli at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, kicking off at 11:30 GMT. This match not only hopes to entertain fans but also carries significant weight for both clubs, particularly for the visitors, Napoli.
Currently, Napoli is feeling the heat after their recent performance slump, managing only draws over their last three outings. After Inter Milan's win against Genoa, Napoli finds themselves under pressure to clinch all three points against Como to remain at the top of the Serie A standings. Antonio Conte's side sits precariously with 56 points, trailing just behind Inter on 57 points. Meanwhile, Como, coached by former star Cesc Fabregas, is hoping to build on their impressive 2-0 win against Fiorentina to rise from mid-table stagnation.
Como's home supporters can look forward to the team’s determined effort. Fabregas is expected to field the same attacking and midfield lineup as against Fiorentina, with potential defensive adjustments, possibly bringing Marc Oliver Kempf back to stabilize the back line. Players like Patrick Cutrone, Como’s top scorer this season, will need to perform well if they are to challenge Napoli's struggling defense.
On the other side, Napoli is rumored to switch their players around again. They might employ Matteo Politano at wing-back, moving Giovanni Di Lorenzo back to the defensive trio and giving Leonardo Spinazzola another chance to start on the left. Napoli's forward duo will likely include the powerful Romelu Lukaku and promising Giacomo Raspadori, who both will need to be on form to break down Como’s defense.
Conte's ambitions for Napoli are unyielding, as he acknowledges the necessity to secure maximum points each game. "We always work with balance to be consistent in our results. It's okay to score clean goals for several games and then concede all the time," he indicated. Napoli's current predicament emphasizes their urgency to reclaim glory, especially as they prepare for next week's Scudetto showdown against their closest rivals.
Before stepping onto the pitch, tensions will be palpable. The players will feel the weight of their recent results; Napoli aims to end their winless streak, and Como takes confidence from their recent victory. The stakes for both squads reveal the intense nature of Serie A competition.
The expected line-ups showcase the tactical nuances both managers hope to leverage during this pivotal clash. Como is likely to use a 4-3-3 formation with players such as Butez, Goldaniga, and Valle anchoring their defense, and the midfield likely featuring the creative minds of Perrone and Da Cunha.
Meanwhile, Napoli’s anticipated 3-5-2 setup places them at the cusp of aggressive play. Meret is expected to guard the goal, with Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, and Buongiorno forming their defensive wall, which needs to find synergy, especially with the injury issues plaguing their flatter formation.
With multiple injuries affecting both teams, the game might be influenced heavily by the availability and fitness of key players. Aside from Neres for Napoli, Como is missing several other important players, including Alberto Dossena and four others sidelined by various injuries.
This match also marks the sixth confrontation between Como and Napoli across all competitions, with Como having somewhat of the upper hand historically, winning two of their last three matches against the Partenopei. That pressure could spark Como's creativity and boost their efforts to define their season strongly as they prepare for the match.
For fans who wish to watch the match, it will be accessible on various platforms: OneFootball will provide coverage for the UK audience, Paramount+ for the USA, and DAZN for Italy, ensuring no one misses this gripping encounter.
With the clash of tactics, player skills, and immediate stakes, the Como versus Napoli match promises to be one not to miss. Whether Como can capitalize on their surprising form or Napoli revitalizes their title charge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Serie A excitement continues.