Napoli host Como in a high-stakes Serie A clash where the reigning champions aim to defend their top spot, while the ambitious visitors seek to continue their unbeaten run and prove they belong among Italy’s elite.
A fascinating contest between Scudetto holders and ambitious upstarts awaits at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday evening, as Napoli welcome Como in what promises to be one of the most intriguing fixtures of Serie A’s matchday ten. The reigning champions, led by Antonio Conte, have clawed their way back to the summit of the table after a brief stumble, and now face a side that has quietly emerged as one of the season’s surprise packages. Como, under the stewardship of Cesc Fabregas, arrive in Campania just five points adrift of the leaders, riding the wave of a long unbeaten run and brimming with confidence after a historic win over Juventus. The clash pits pedigree against promise, tradition against transformation, and the stakes could not be higher.
Napoli’s return to form has been timely and emphatic. After a pair of disappointing away results following the last international break—first a limp defeat to Torino and then a humbling 6-0 thrashing at the hands of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League—the Partenopei responded with grit and determination. Their 2-1 victory over Inter Milan last weekend was a statement of intent, a performance that combined tactical discipline with individual brilliance. Frank Anguissa, increasingly influential in midfield, scored his second goal in as many games, while Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s penalty save proved decisive. That win not only restored Napoli’s place at the top of the table but also reaffirmed their credentials as title favorites.
Midweek brought another hard-fought victory, this time away to Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare. Again, Anguissa was the match-winner, and again Milinkovic-Savic came up big from the spot. The result capped off a turbulent October with a sense of closure and momentum. Napoli now sit above Roma on goal difference, with both Milan clubs trailing three points further behind. The champions have been imperious at home, unbeaten in 16 Serie A matches at the Maradona since last December and victorious in all four home fixtures this season. With two crucial games on the horizon—Como in the league and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League—Conte’s men will be eager to make their home advantage count.
Como, however, are not to be underestimated. The Lariani have undergone a remarkable transformation since their return to the top flight, fueled by smart recruitment and a clear tactical identity under Fabregas. Their shock 2-1 win over Napoli in February served notice of their potential, and they have continued to build on that foundation. Last season’s comfortable survival has given way to genuine ambition, and their current form suggests they are ready to challenge for a place in the top six. The 2-0 victory over Juventus last week, their first league win over the Bianconeri since 1952, was a watershed moment. Nico Paz was the star of the show, orchestrating play with maturity and flair, and the result pulled Como level on points with Napoli’s faltering rivals.
Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Hellas Verona extended Como’s unbeaten run to six matches and showcased their growing confidence. At home, they have been formidable—undefeated at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with 11 points collected and just three goals conceded. Their defensive organization and tactical discipline have made them a tough nut to crack, but their away form remains a concern. With just one win on the road and an average of less than one goal per game, the trip to Naples represents a significant challenge. The Maradona is a cauldron, and Como will need to summon all their resilience and belief to emerge with a result.
Napoli’s squad situation is mixed. The absence of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne—two of Belgium’s finest—is a blow, particularly given De Bruyne’s recent form and his goal against Inter. Lukaku’s physical presence and hold-up play have been missed, but there is hope in the return of Rasmus Hojlund, who was back on the bench in midweek. The young striker will compete with Lorenzo Lucca for a starting berth, and Conte may opt for a more mobile front line to exploit Como’s defensive shape. Mateo Politano and Noa Lang both picked up minor knocks against Lecce but are expected to be available, while Stanislav Lobotka and goalkeeper Alex Meret remain sidelined. The absence of Lobotka, Napoli’s midfield metronome, could affect their rhythm, but Anguissa’s recent performances have helped fill the void.
Como’s attacking options are also evolving. Alvaro Morata, signed in the summer, has gradually become the preferred centre-forward, offering experience and movement. However, he was replaced by Tasos Douvikas on Wednesday, and the Greek striker made an immediate impact with an early header. Fabregas now faces a selection dilemma—stick with the proven pedigree of Morata or reward Douvikas’ form. Wide men Assane Diao and Jayden Addai have returned from injury, adding depth and pace to the flanks, while Maximo Perrone is expected to recover from a minor knock. Only Sergi Roberto and Alberto Dossena remain on the treatment table, giving Fabregas a near-full squad to choose from.
Tactically, the match promises to be a chess match. Conte’s Napoli are built on structure, pressing, and verticality, with a midfield that can both disrupt and dictate. Como, meanwhile, favor a more possession-based approach, with quick interchanges and fluid movement. The midfield battle will be key, with Anguissa and Camarda likely to face off against Santamaria and Paz. Napoli’s wide play could be decisive, especially if Politano and Lang are fit to start, while Como’s ability to transition quickly and exploit spaces will test the hosts’ defensive discipline.
Set-pieces may also play a role. Napoli have been vulnerable from dead-ball situations, and Como have shown proficiency in exploiting such opportunities. The aerial threat of Douvikas and the delivery of Paz could pose problems, particularly if Meret’s absence forces a reshuffle in goal. Discipline will be crucial—Napoli’s aggressive pressing can lead to fouls, and Como’s technical players are adept at drawing contact. The referee’s management of the game could influence its rhythm and outcome.
Beyond the tactical and personnel considerations, the psychological dimension looms large. Napoli are defending champions, playing at home, and seeking to extend their lead at the top. The pressure to perform is immense, especially with the Champions League campaign hanging in the balance. Como, by contrast, are the underdogs, free from expectation and buoyed by recent results. Their belief, forged in adversity and nurtured by Fabregas’ leadership, could be their greatest asset. If they can weather the early storm and impose their game, an upset is not beyond reach.
In the broader context of the Serie A season, this match could be pivotal. A win for Napoli would reinforce their status as title favorites and provide a buffer ahead of their European commitments. For Como, a positive result would validate their progress and send a message to the rest of the league—they are no longer just survivors, but contenders. The margins are fine, the stakes high, and the atmosphere electric. At the Stadio Maradona, history and ambition collide, and by Saturday night, one team will have taken a significant step forward in their journey.
