The Coppa Italia quarter finals serve up a tantalising clash on Tuesday night as Antonio Conte’s Napoli host the season’s surprise package, Cesc Fàbregas’s Como, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Match Preview: Pragmatism Meets Possession
Napoli arrive with momentum restored after back to back, hard fought Serie A wins over Fiorentina and Genoa. Antonio Conte has instilled his trademark pragmatism; the Partenopei are not the free flowing force of old, but they are brutally efficient. Rasmus Højlund has flourished as the focal point, with support from the relentless Scott McTominay and the craft of David Neres. With the league title likely beyond them, the Coppa Italia represents a clear route to silverware, meaning Conte is expected to field a strong, near full strength side.
Their opponents are writing one of the stories of the season. Promoted Como, under the guidance of rookie manager Cesc Fàbregas, have taken Serie A by storm with an aesthetic, possession dominant style. Their stunning 6-0 demolition of Torino and a 3-1 cup win at Fiorentina announced them as serious contenders. Blending the experience of Álvaro Morata with exciting talents like Nico Paz, Fàbregas has crafted a side that out thinks and out passes more established rivals. After a week’s rest following a solid draw with Atalanta, they will be perfectly prepared.
This sets up a fascinating tactical duel: Conte’s direct, physical, vertical game against Fàbregas’s intricate, controlling possession football. Napoli will look to overpower; Como will aim to outmanoeuvre.
Head to Head & Form
Recent history offers no clear clue. The last three meetings have seen one win each and a draw. Napoli’s form is patchy (two wins in five), while Como are unbeaten in four (three wins, one draw). The one off nature of the tie adds an extra layer of tension, with neither side likely to go all out from the first whistle.
Probable Line ups
*Napoli (3-5-2):* Milinkovic Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Jesus; Gutierrez, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Vergara, Elmas; Højlund.
*Como (4-2-3-1):* Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.
Prediction: Napoli to Edge a Tense, Open Affair
While Como’s fairytale run commands respect, the trip to a hostile Maradona for a night cup tie is their toughest test yet. Napoli’s superior experience, physicality, and Conte’s cup pedigree should prove decisive. Expect Como to have their moments of stylish control, but Napoli’s efficiency in both boxes and threat from set pieces will likely tip the balance.
A tense, open game with goals at both ends is on the cards, but the hosts should progress.
Prediction: Napoli 2-1 Como
