Sabasports Match Preview
Italian Serie A: Como 1907 vs Napoli
Kickoff Time: 2024-02-23 19:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
Como 1907 is a newly promoted team in Serie A and currently leads the relegation zone by five points, though they still face significant pressure to avoid relegation. Supported by the Indonesian billionaire, Como has invested approximately 50 million euros in new signings during the winter transfer window. Among these signings, winger Assane Diao and center forward Maxence Caqueret stand out as key acquisitions. Since joining, Diao has scored four goals, while Caqueret has provided two assists. In addition, the team has brought in experienced Serie A winger Jonathan Ikone from Fiorentina and main defender Mergim Vojvoda from Torino. Now, each position has at least two capable players, making Como one of the most promising teams in Serie A given the five-substitution rule. Manager Cesc Fabregas’ tactics are heavily influenced by Arsene Wenger, emphasizing rotations in the middle and forward areas as well as low defensive positioning. Offensively, Como does not prioritize excessive ball control but focuses on quick, short passes in the attacking third and creating counterattack opportunities through swift midfield transitions. Looking at their season performance, Como’s home games present considerable threat in terms of counterattacks, especially with strikers Patrick Cutrone and Nico Paz forming a complementary partnership and developing strong chemistry.
Recently, Napoli’s winning streak has slowed down, with three consecutive draws in the league, starkly contrasting their previous seven-match winning run. Two main factors contributing to this decline include the departure of key winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Meanwhile, injured David Neres, the absence of left-backs Matheas Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola have severely hampered their left-side offensive capabilities. To address this crisis, coach Antonio Conte has switched to a 3-5-2 formation. Previously, Conte’s team focused on fluid midfield control and rapid wing play in the 4-3-3 formation. However, Napoli now relies less on the wings and instead strengthens midfield control through a solid three-centerback defense and flexible deployment of two holding midfielders. Nevertheless, promoting right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo to wingback has exposed his weakness in defensive recovery speed. For instance, in their last match against Lazio, Gustav Isaksen frequently threatened on this side with his dribbling ability. It should be noted that in this game, Di Lorenzo will be matched up against 19-year-old winger Assane Diao, whose greatest assets are his energy and speed.
Currently, Napoli is undergoing a strategic transformation phase where Conte must rely on tactical innovations to maintain competitive stability. However, on-the-spot adjustments are his weak point. In the last league match, Conte introduced center-back Rafa Marin during a close game, hoping to restructure the defense, but conceded a goal just two minutes after the substitution. By contrast, home-playing Como, with their tenacious spirit and fervent fan atmosphere, forces many strong teams to take them seriously. This season, Juventus, Atalanta, AC Milan, and other defensively strong teams have conceded goals in away matches against Como. Given Como’s stronger desire to win and the advantage of playing at home, it is expected that they can secure points from Napoli.
Como1907’s Last 5 Games: WLLLW
25-02-16 Fiorentina 0-2 Como1907
25-02-08 Como1907 1-2 Juventus
25-02-02 Bologna 2-0 Como1907
25-01-25 Como1907 1-2 Atalanta
25-01-21 Como1907 4-1 Udinese
Napoli’s Last 5 Games: DDDWW
25-02-16 Lazio 2-2 Napoli
25-02-10 Napoli 1-1 Udinese
25-02-03 AS Roma 1-1 Napoli
25-01-26 Napoli 2-1 Juventus
25-01-19 Atalanta 2-3 Napoli
Head To Head Record:
24-10-05 Napoli 3-1 Como1907
04-02-01 Como1907 2-0 Napoli
03-09-08 Napoli 0-1 Como1907
Prediction: Como1907 to win or Draw