Como pulled off the upset of the Serie A weekend, dismantling defending champions Napoli 2-1 at a raucous Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Friday night. For Antonio Conte’s side, it’s another gut punch in what’s becoming a season-defining slump.
The newly-promoted hosts didn’t just beat Napoli — they outplayed them. Gabriel Strefezza struck first in the 43rd minute after the visitors’ defense went to sleep, leaving the Brazilian wide open at the back post. A comedy of errors between Amir Rrahmani and Juan Jesus made it look easy.
Fabregas Outfoxes His Former Teammate
Cesc Fabregas had his team pressing like their Serie A lives depended on it, and honestly, they probably did. The Spanish tactician’s high-energy approach caught Conte’s men cold from the opening whistle.
Patrick Cutrone doubled the advantage in stoppage time with the kind of clinical finish that reminded everyone why he once terrorized Premier League defenses. The 30-year-old striker buried a perfect through ball from Nico Paz, leaving Alex Meret stranded.
“We knew they’d have the ball, but we were ready for our moments,” Fabregas said afterward, barely containing his grin. “Tonight showed we’re not just happy to be here.”
Lukaku’s Lone Bright Spot
Conte threw on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at the break, and the Georgian’s pace immediately caused problems. His cross found Romelu Lukaku for a 62nd-minute header that briefly sparked hope among the traveling support.
The Belgian striker has been one of few positives in this rocky campaign — four goals in six league appearances since his summer move from Chelsea. But even he couldn’t mask the glaring issues elsewhere.
Despite hogging 68% of second-half possession, Napoli managed just three shots on target all night. That’s the kind of toothless performance that has Conte pulling his hair out.
Defensive Nightmare Continues
Three games without a win. Seven goals conceded in four matches. The numbers don’t lie — this Napoli side looks nothing like the swashbuckling unit that conquered Italy last season.
“We’re making schoolboy errors at the worst possible times,” Conte admitted, his frustration evident. “Como earned this victory because they punished our mistakes.”
Juan Jesus was the main culprit for the opener, failing to deal with a routine cross. Conte yanked him at halftime — a public execution that spoke volumes about his patience levels.
Como’s Stunning Home Fortress
This lakeside club isn’t just surviving in Serie A — they’re thriving. Five straight home games unbeaten, including points stolen from Juventus and Atalanta. Friday’s triumph felt like a coming-of-age moment.
Emil Audero, the on-loan Sampdoria keeper, was magnificent between the sticks. His fingertip save from David Neres’ late free kick had 10,000 Como fans on their feet, dreaming of European football.
The result drops Napoli to seventh with 32 points from 20 matches — a staggering eight points behind leaders Atalanta. Como jumps to 15th with 19 points, creating precious daylight above the drop zone.
Next up: Juventus at the Maradona on Sunday. For Conte, it’s already feeling like a must-win.
