Como vs Napoli | Serie A | Pre Match

The highly anticipated Serie A clash between Como and Napoli is set to take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 12:30 PM in the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. This matchday 26 fixture presents a compelling battle between Como, who are currently struggling near the relegation zone in 16th place with 22 points, and Napoli, the dominant league leaders sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 56 points. Given the stark contrast in form and squad strength, the match is expected to be a challenging test for the home side as they attempt to pull off an upset against a formidable opponent.

Como enter this fixture in a precarious position, with their primary objective being survival in Italy's top flight. With just 22 points from 24 matches, their season has been marred by inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities. Their home record of 4 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses suggests that they can put up a fight at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, yet their struggles against top-tier teams remain a concern. While their recent 2-0 away victory against Fiorentina provided a much-needed morale boost, Como’s overall form in their last five matches—2 wins and 3 defeats—highlights the ongoing battle for consistency.

Manager Francesc Fàbregas Soler, in his first senior managerial role, has been entrusted with the task of steering Como to safety. The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has implemented a possession-based style of play reminiscent of his own playing days. However, the adaptation process has been challenging for the squad, as they continue to grapple with defensive lapses and a lack of clinical finishing in attack. Como’s goal difference of 28 scored and 40 conceded further underscores their issues at the back, making defensive organization a crucial area of focus ahead of their encounter with Napoli.

On the other hand, Napoli have been a force to be reckoned with this season, leading Serie A with 56 points from 25 matches. Their impressive record of 17 wins, 5 draws, and just 3 defeats speaks volumes about their dominance in the league. The Partenopei have also been outstanding on their travels, boasting an away record of 8 wins, 4 draws, and only 1 defeat. Despite dropping points in a recent 2-2 draw against Lazio Roma, Napoli’s ability to maintain their unbeaten run in the last five matches (2 wins, 3 draws) demonstrates their resilience and tactical discipline under Antonio Conte.

Napoli’s goal difference of 41 scored and 19 conceded is a testament to their well-balanced approach. Their attacking firepower, led by a potent frontline, has consistently delivered results, while their defensive solidity has been instrumental in securing vital points. Conte’s renowned 3-5-2 system has allowed Napoli to control games efficiently, using width and defensive stability to suffocate opponents. This well-drilled tactical approach makes them an overwhelming favorite heading into their clash against Como.

Historically, the head-to-head record between Como and Napoli presents an interesting narrative. Despite the current disparity in league positions and overall squad quality, Como have surprisingly won 3 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams, while Napoli have claimed victory in 2, with no matches ending in a draw. This statistic suggests that Como, despite their struggles, have found ways to challenge Napoli in the past. However, the last meeting saw Napoli emerge as 3-1 winners at home, reaffirming their superiority in the present campaign.

Como’s performances in their last five matches—2 wins and 3 losses—paint a picture of unpredictability. While their most recent win against Fiorentina could serve as a catalyst for improved form, they will need a near-perfect display to compete with the league leaders. The key for Como will be their ability to capitalize on counter-attacks while maintaining defensive discipline against Napoli’s relentless pressure.

Napoli, on the other hand, have been unbeaten in their last five outings, securing 2 wins and 3 draws. Their 2-2 result against Lazio may have slightly dented their momentum, but their overall stability and depth ensure that they remain in a commanding position. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including a potential title decider, Napoli will be eager to claim all three points and maintain their lead at the summit of Serie A.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this encounter will be the tactical battle between Fàbregas and Conte. While the former continues to mold Como into a cohesive unit, Conte’s experience and tactical mastery give Napoli a significant advantage. The key individual battles on the pitch, particularly in midfield, could determine the flow of the game. Como will look to their creative players to break Napoli’s disciplined defensive setup, while Napoli’s forwards will be aiming to exploit Como’s defensive weaknesses.

Given Napoli’s superior quality, current form, and tactical discipline, they enter the match as overwhelming favorites. Their ability to control possession, create scoring opportunities, and maintain defensive solidity makes them a formidable opponent. However, Como’s positive head-to-head record against Napoli in recent years and their determination to secure safety in Serie A mean that they cannot be entirely ruled out. The unpredictability of football ensures that upsets remain a possibility, and Como’s home advantage could serve as a motivating factor.

While Napoli’s offensive prowess makes them strong candidates for an away win, Como’s recent victory against Fiorentina and their tendency to find the net at home suggest that they could at least put up a fight. The likelihood of both teams scoring adds an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture, making it an exciting prospect for fans and neutrals alike. For Napoli, securing all three points will further cement their status as title favorites, while for Como, any positive result will provide a significant boost in their quest to remain in Serie A.