Napoli Aims for a Win in a Stiff Challenge at Como
Napoli gears up for a challenging match against Como 1907 at the Stadio Sinigaglia, kicking off at 11:30 GMT. The Partenopei, under the leadership of Antonio Conte, are eager to break their recent streak of draws and secure a victory to maintain their Scudetto aspirations. The pressure is on as Inter Milan’s 1-0 win against Genoa last night temporarily propelled them to the top of the Serie A table. Napoli’s next crucial test will be their Scudetto showdown against Inter next weekend, making today’s game even more vital for their momentum and confidence.
Napoli’s Line-Up and Absences
Napoli’s lineup faces some changes due to injuries. David Neres and Pasquale Mazzocchi are out, but Leonardo Spinazzola, recovering from a previous injury, is fit enough to start on the left. Matias Olivera, although back in training, is not yet fully match-fit. Conte opts to continue with the 3-5-2 formation, utilizing Matteo Politano as a right-sided winger. Romelu Lukaku and Giacomo Raspadori will lead the attack, aiming to capitalize on their strengths and disrupt Como’s defense. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s absence is notable, but his role will be filled by Philip Billing, a loanee from AFC Bournemouth, who makes his Serie A debut in this crucial match.
Como’s Resurgence and Key Players
Como, despite their recent struggles, has shown a surprising resilience with a 2-0 victory away to Fiorentina. The team has had to deal with several injuries, with Sergi Roberto, Ivan Azon, Ignace van der Brempt, and Dele Alli still out of action. Alberto Dossena joins them on the treatment table, adding to the list of absentees. However, there is a positive note as Alieu Fadera returns from suspension, ready to contribute to the team’s efforts. Assane Diao, who has been a standout player since his January arrival, will be pivotal alongside young star Nico Paz and Gabriel Strefezza in leading the attack. Diao’s form and energy have been key to Como’s recent turnaround, and he will be a player to watch out for today.
Como’s Defensive Setup
Como’s defensive lineup is expected to hold strong with goalkeepers Ivan Butez, who has been reliable between the posts. The backline consists of Filip Smolcic, Marco Goldaniga, and Lukas Kempf, providing a solid foundation. Matías Valle adds pace and versatility on the left flank. In midfield, Edoardo Da Cunha, Federico Perrone, and David Caqueret will be tasked with maintaining possession and supporting the attack. Their collective effort will be crucial in thwarting Napoli’s potent offensive duo of Lukaku and Raspadori.
Napoli’s Midfield Reinforcements
Napoli’s midfield will see the debut of Philip Billing, a player known for his tactical awareness and ability to control the tempo of the game. He will be joined by experienced campaigners Victor Osimhen and Kostas Manolas, who, though not mentioned in the starting lineup, will likely provide support and depth from the bench. Stanislas Lobotka’s presence in the midfield will be valuable for his defensive work and ball distribution. Scott McTominay, another key signing, brings physicality and a winning mentality to the team, making him a crucial figure in Napoli’s bid to dominate the midfield and control the game.
Match Preview and Expectations
The stage is set for an intense battle at the Stadio Sinigaglia. Napoli, driven by the need to secure a victory and stay in the Scudetto race, will likely come out firing on all cylinders, with Lukaku and Raspadori aiming to break the deadlock. Como, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their recent win and surprise their formidable opponents. The home side’s defensive solidity and the creativity of Diao, Paz, and Strefezza could pose a significant challenge to Napoli’s attacking plans. The fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how these two teams fare, with expectations high for an exciting and competitive match. Follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.
