Napoli – Como: Cesc Quicker To The Trigger As Conte Falls In The Shoot-Out (1-1, 6-7 After Penalties)

Three competitions turn into one. After fighting on multiple fronts, Napoli have left two tournaments in the space of two weeks, citing familiar problems despite some second-half improvements. Cesc Fàbregas found the early advantages as Como’s rebirth continues.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

The quest for the Coppa comes at a conflicting time for Conte and Cesc: maybe a semi-final date could challenge that notion.

Napoli are still amidst an injury crisis. Scott McTominay drove a long-range effort through away to Genoa, but his injury dampened a gritty away win on the Ligurian coast. Alas the midfield is still depleted, yet Antonio Conte’s team have still found ways to compete. The emergence of Antonio Vergara has been crucial; one year on from his loan spell at Reggiana, the Neapolitan has made his path through to getting regular minutes.

Como lurks in the European spots, with challenging fixtures to Juve and Milan scheduled for the following week. The arrangement from Cesc Fàbregas has Como playing in a very attractive fashion, although this has not reflected against Italy’s established elites, at least in terms of results. However, a deep run in the Coppa Italia could easily change this narrative.

Conte made five changes from the 3-2 win against Genoa. Vanja Milinković-Savić returned between the posts, whilst Sam Beukema came back . . .