COMO vs NAPOLI 2-1 | HIGHLIGHTS | SERIE A

Napoli’s title hopes suffered another blow as they were beaten 2-1 by Como at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Antonio Conte’s side missed the chance to reclaim top spot in Serie A as Assane Diao’s fine strike extended the visitors’ winless streak to four matches. The loss deepened Napoli’s struggles in recent weeks, raising questions about their ability to sustain a title challenge as the season enters its decisive phase. With the weight of expectation growing, the pressure on Conte and his players is mounting as they search for solutions to their poor run of form.

Having been overtaken at the summit by Inter on Saturday, Napoli made a nightmare start when Amir Rrahmani handed the lead to Como in the seventh minute. The Kosovan centre-back attempted a back-pass from Matteo Politano’s throw-in, but with the goalkeeper Alex Meret out of position, the ball bounced into an empty net. The defensive lapse stunned the Napoli supporters, who had traveled in numbers to witness what they hoped would be a crucial victory in the title race. Rrahmani’s error was emblematic of a team struggling with confidence, as simple mistakes continue to prove costly in their bid for silverware. Napoli’s early setback forced them onto the back foot, and while they tried to regain composure, Como sensed an opportunity to capitalize on their opponents’ nervousness.

Ten minutes later, the Napoli forward Giacomo Raspadori pounced on some sloppy defending to slot the ball past the Como keeper, Jean Butez, and level things up. The goal was a moment of relief for Napoli, who had been searching for a spark to reignite their attacking fluidity. Raspadori’s instincts inside the box proved crucial, and for a brief period, it seemed as though Napoli had steadied themselves. However, their inability to sustain pressure and create clear-cut chances frustrated both Conte and the Napoli faithful. Como’s defensive discipline limited Napoli’s opportunities, and despite enjoying more possession, the visitors struggled to break down a well-organized opposition backline. The failure to assert dominance in the attacking third highlighted the growing concerns over Napoli’s inconsistency, with Conte visibly exasperated on the sidelines as his team failed to capitalize on their momentum.

Napoli could not push on in the second half and were punished in the 77th minute, when winger Assane Diao fired home a stunning finish from Nico Paz’s precise pass. The goal was a moment of sheer brilliance, as Diao’s technique and composure left Meret with no chance. Como, who had absorbed pressure for much of the game, found a way to exploit Napoli’s vulnerabilities, delivering a decisive blow that left their opponents with little time to respond. The disappointment was evident among the Napoli players, whose body language suggested frustration and fatigue. Conte, known for his fiery touchline presence, cut a frustrated figure as he barked instructions in a desperate attempt to inspire a late resurgence. However, Como remained resolute, shutting down any potential openings and seeing out the game with discipline and determination.

“It’s definitely a setback that hurts because of the way it came, because on a mental level we showed cracks, just like in the last three games where we always got caught up,” Conte said. His candid admission reflected the growing concerns surrounding Napoli’s mentality, with the team seemingly struggling to cope with the demands of a relentless title race. “I think the boys are really giving their best but we need to make a path and give time to grow, not only from a technical [or] tactical point of view but also in terms of mentality.” The emphasis on mental fortitude underlines the broader issues at play for Napoli, as they navigate the challenges of maintaining their position at the top of Italian football. Conte’s words suggest that while the team possesses talent, the ability to handle pressure and maintain composure in crucial moments remains a work in progress.

“We’ve been playing since the beginning of the year with this pressure, which fortunately we brought on ourselves: being there at the top of the table or at least being close. This was absolutely not expected. Now we have to face it in the best way, trying to analyse why in the second half they [Como] had more hunger and desire.” Conte’s admission that Como showed greater determination in the latter stages of the match is a worrying sign for Napoli. Championship-winning teams are often defined by their ability to rise to the occasion when under pressure, but Napoli’s recent performances suggest they are struggling to match their rivals in terms of intensity and resilience. If they are to keep pace with Inter and sustain their title ambitions, they must quickly address these psychological and tactical shortcomings.

Inter, who defeated Genoa 1-0 on Saturday, stay a point clear at the top, while third-placed Atalanta can move to within two points of Napoli with victory at Empoli on Sunday evening. The top two meet at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona next Saturday in a potentially decisive game in the title race. With the stakes higher than ever, Napoli must regroup and deliver a performance that proves they are still genuine contenders for the Serie A crown. The upcoming clash with Inter presents a chance for redemption, but it also poses a formidable challenge. If Napoli fail to rise to the occasion, their title aspirations could take an irreparable hit. The coming weeks will define their season, and how they respond to this latest setback will determine whether they can turn their fortunes around or if their struggles will ultimately cost them their shot at glory.