SSC Napoli face a tricky tie when Como 1907 come visiting to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Saturday.

A compelling clash between champions and challengers is set for Saturday evening at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where SSC Napoli host Como 1907 in a meeting that highlights the shifting balance of power in Serie A.

Napoli, the reigning Scudetto holders, have reclaimed their place atop the table after a brief stutter in form. Antonio Conte’s men edged Lecce 1-0 in midweek courtesy of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s second goal in as many matches, a hard-fought win that followed their crucial victory over Inter Milan last weekend. However, it was not without drama, as goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic preserved all three points by saving a penalty in the dying stages.

That narrow triumph ensured Napoli stayed ahead of AS Roma on goal difference, with both Milan clubs three points further behind. It also marked an encouraging end to October after a turbulent period that included a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Torino and a humiliating 6-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

Conte’s side return to their fortress in Campania with confidence restored. Napoli are unbeaten in 16 Serie A home games since December 2023, winning all four of their fixtures at the Maradona this season. Their attacking intent and structured defensive line have made them formidable in front of their own fans, and Conte will expect nothing less than a statement performance before the midweek European clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Their visitors, however, are no ordinary underdogs. Como 1907, led by Cesc Fabregas, have been one of Serie A’s most refreshing stories this season. Smart recruitment and tactical evolution have transformed the Lariani from mere survivalists into genuine European contenders. After a historic 2-0 victory over Juventus, their first league win over the Bianconeri since 1952, Como have extended their unbeaten run to six matches, capped by a 3-1 triumph over Hellas Verona in midweek.

Como’s rise is no fluke. They remain undefeated at home, collecting 11 points and conceding just three goals at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. However, their away form tells a different story: just one win on the road this season, with an average of less than one goal scored per match. Against the reigning champions in one of Italy’s most intimidating venues, this represents their sternest test yet.

Still, Fabregas’s men arrive brimming with self-belief and tactical maturity. Having already stunned Napoli once this year with a 2-1 win in February, Como will look to draw inspiration from that performance, aiming to disrupt Conte’s structured system through controlled possession and sharp transitions.

With both teams boasting distinct strengths, Napoli’s attacking discipline and Como’s composure in midfield, this encounter promises to be an intriguing battle of strategy, resilience, and ambition. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

SSC Napoli

Napoli’s preparations for Saturday’s encounter have been complicated by a growing injury list that includes two of their most influential players. Romelu Lukaku remains unavailable due to a lingering muscle issue, and he has now been joined on the sidelines by Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered a serious thigh injury after scoring a penalty in last weekend’s victory over Inter Milan.

De Bruyne’s absence is a major blow to Napoli’s creative balance in midfield, as his ability to dictate tempo and unlock defences has been crucial to Antonio Conte’s system. In addition, Stanislav Lobotka, the team’s midfield orchestrator, is still sidelined as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.

First-choice goalkeeper Alex Meret also remains out with a shoulder injury, meaning Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, the Serbian shot-stopper who has impressed in recent weeks, is expected to retain his place between the posts. Meanwhile, Matteo Politano and Noa Lang both picked up minor knocks during the win over Lecce but are likely to recover in time to feature in the matchday squad.

There was, however, a glimmer of positive news in midweek as both Amir Rrahmani and Rasmus Hojlund returned to the bench following spells on the treatment table. Rrahmani’s return will bolster defensive stability, while Hojlund’s availability gives Conte a welcome selection dilemma in attack, with the Danish striker competing against Lorenzo Lucca for the starting centre-forward role.

Against Como, Conte is expected to maintain his tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation, which has served Napoli well in domestic competition. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will start in goal, shielded by a back four of Giovanni Di Lorenzo at right-back, Sam Beukema and Alessandro Buongiorno as the central defenders, and Leonardo Spinazzola on the left flank.

In midfield, the trio of Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, and Scott McTominay will provide both energy and tactical structure, with Anguissa offering ball-winning presence, Gilmour dictating play from deep, and McTominay pushing forward to support attacks. The front three will see Mateo Politano occupy the right wing, Rasmus Hojlund likely starting as the central striker, and David Neres providing creativity and flair from the left.

Napoli’s tactical approach under Conte will once again focus on compact defensive organisation, rapid transitions, and sustained pressure in wide areas. The emphasis will be on stretching Como’s defensive block, with overlapping full-backs and midfield runners exploiting any gaps between the lines.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Anguissa, Gilmour, McTominay; Politano, Højlund, Neres

Como 1907

Como arrive in Naples with only a few injury concerns, and head coach Cesc Fabregas will be pleased to have nearly a full squad at his disposal for this crucial test. The Lariani will, however, remain without the services of Sergi Roberto and Alberto Dossena, both of whom are still sidelined through injury. Roberto continues to recover from a muscle problem, while Dossena is nursing a thigh strain that has kept him out of the squad for the past few weeks.

There is better news elsewhere for the visitors. Both Assane Diao and Jayden Addai, who had been struggling with fitness issues, have now returned to action and are available for selection. Additionally, Maximo Perrone is expected to shake off a minor knock in time for the trip to Naples, giving Fabregas another midfield option in what will likely be a high-intensity contest.

In attack, Alvaro Morata has emerged as Como’s first-choice striker since joining the club in the summer. His leadership, movement, and finishing have added a new dimension to their frontline. However, his replacement in midweek, Anastasios Douvikas, impressed with an early header in the 3–1 victory over Hellas Verona, and his sharp form gives the coach a welcome selection dilemma. The choice between the two could hinge on tactical preference, Morata offers experience and link-up play, while Douvikas brings energy and directness in front of goal.

Tactically, Como are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing compact defensive organisation with quick transitions. Jean Butez will start in goal, protected by a back four of Stefan Posch at right-back, Diego Carlos and Jacobo Ramon as the centre-backs, and Alberto Moreno on the left.

In midfield, the double pivot will likely feature Maximo Perrone alongside Lucas Da Cunha, both tasked with shielding the defence while initiating build-up play through measured passing. Ahead of them, Nicolas Kuhn and Assane Diao are expected to operate on the wings, providing width and pace to stretch Napoli’s backline.

Nico Paz, who has been instrumental in Como’s attacking resurgence, will occupy the central attacking midfield role, linking play and supporting the lone striker. Up front, Alvaro Morata is tipped to lead the line, though Tasos Douvikas remains an alternate option should Fabregas opt for a more mobile approach.

Como’s setup under Fabregas typically emphasises composure on the ball, positional discipline, and pressing triggers in midfield to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. Against a possession-dominant Napoli, they will likely seek to remain compact, rely on quick vertical transitions, and exploit spaces left behind Conte’s advancing full-backs.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Butez; Posch, Carlos, Ramon, Moreno; Perrone, Da Cunha; Kuhn, Paz, Diao; Morata

Key Stats

• SSC Napoli are unbeaten in their last 16 Serie A home matches since December 2023, winning 12 of those games. They have also scored at least two goals in each of their last four league fixtures at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this season.

• Como 1907 are currently on a six-match unbeaten streak in Serie A, winning four and drawing two. This marks their longest unbeaten run in the top flight since 1986, showing their rapid progress under Cesc Fabregas.

• While Como have been formidable at home, they have managed just one win in their five away matches this season. Their away average of 0.8 goals per game contrasts sharply with their home form, where they average over 2 goals per match.

• The champions have kept nine clean sheets in their last 15 Serie A games at home, conceding only 10 goals during that span. This defensive consistency has been key to maintaining their dominance at the Maradona.

• Napoli have won five of their last six meetings with Como across all competitions. However, the only exception came in February 2025, when Como stunned the champions with a 2-1 victory, a result that remains one of the season’s standout upsets.

Player to Watch

Alvaro Morata

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All eyes will be on Alvaro Morata, whose experience and intelligent movement have become central to Como’s attacking identity under Cesc Fabregas. Since joining in the summer, the Spanish forward has not only brought a touch of class and leadership to the squad but also provided the cutting edge needed to compete with Italy’s elite.

Morata’s ability to link play, hold up possession, and draw defenders out of position has made him invaluable in Como’s fluid system. His understanding of space often allows teammates like Nico Paz and Assane Diao to exploit the channels, creating multiple layers of attacking threat. Against a tactically disciplined Napoli defence, Morata’s off-the-ball intelligence will be key in disrupting their structure.

Equally important is his composure in front of goal. Morata has long been known for scoring in big moments, and his poacher’s instinct inside the box could make the difference in a fixture where chances may come at a premium. Whether starting or coming off the bench, the veteran striker’s leadership and experience could give Como the belief, and the firepower, to trouble the reigning champions at the Stadio Maradona.

Prediction

SSC Napoli 2-0 Como 1907

SSC Napoli will enter this contest as firm favourites, buoyed by their remarkable home record and renewed momentum following back-to-back league victories. Antonio Conte’s men have rediscovered the defensive discipline and attacking sharpness that defined their title-winning campaign, and playing at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona has consistently brought out their best performances.

With Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in fine form and Rasmus Hojlund regaining fitness, the hosts have the quality and depth to control proceedings from start to finish. However, Como 1907 have proven they are no longer just a feel-good story. Cesc Fabregas’s side are well-drilled, confident, and capable of unsettling bigger teams, as shown by their shock win over Juventus last week and their famous victory over Napoli earlier this year.

Their compact midfield structure and technical fluidity in attack could test Napoli’s backline, especially in transition.Yet, despite their impressive progress, Como’s away form remains their Achilles heel. Scoring has been a challenge on the road, and against a side as tactically astute and physically dominant as Napoli, the visitors may find their momentum halted.