For the first time in over a year, Napoli is back at the summit of Serie A and will look to continue their winning form when they take on Como at Stadio Maradona on Friday evening. Their 100% home record against their Lombardy opponents is a strong indicator of their superiority in this fixture, yet Como arrives in Naples with growing momentum.
Napoli, under the guidance of Antonio Conte, has returned to the top of Serie A, showing the same dominance they exhibited during their Scudetto-winning 2023 season. With 13 points in their first six games, they sit narrowly ahead of Juventus. Recently, Napoli defeated Palermo 5-0 to secure a spot in the Coppa Italia’s last 16 before triumphing 2-0 against Monza. The win against Monza extended Napoli’s unbeaten streak to five league games and saw Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubling their advantage after Matteo Politano scored.
Conte’s squad continues to impress, particularly on the defensive side of the game. Despite missing first-choice goalkeeper Alex Meret, Napoli has managed four consecutive clean sheets, with a total of six shut-outs in their eight matches this season. Playing three league games at Stadio Maradona, they have gotten all nine points on offer, while scoring seven and conceding just one.
Historically, Napoli has enjoyed great success against Como in Serie A, winning 17 of their 22 meetings. With these statistics on their side, Conte’s men are confident heading into this clash.
Como has recently started to find their rhythm in Italy’s elite league. The Lombardy side arrives in Naples after getting their first Serie A win in 21 years, a 3-2 victory over Hellas Verona, extending their unbeaten streak to three matches.
Forward Patrick Cutrone has been in fine form, netting twice against Verona, while Andrea Belotti ended a long goal drought to further boost Como’s confidence.
However, Como has never managed to pick up a point against Napoli in the Italian top flight, losing all eleven visits to Naples. But the club, which is revitalized under ambitious owners, hopes to change that narrative this time around.
Napoli will be missing goalkeeper Alex Meret due to a thigh injury, with Elia Caprile continuing to deputize between the sticks. The rest of the squad is fit, with Conte expected to stick to a back four, especially to make room for Scott McTominay in midfield. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has contributed five goal involvements so far, will support Romelu Lukaku up front.
Como could potentially be without Alberto Cerri, who is nursing an ankle injury, though he may still make the bench. Patrick Cutrone will lead the attack, supported by Nico Paz, while Sergi Roberto will command the midfield.
Napoli Predicted Starting XI:
Caprile; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay; Politano, Lukaku, Kvaratskhelia.
Como Predicted Starting XI:
Audero; Van Der Brempt, Kempf, Dossena, Moreno; Perrone, Roberto; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone.
Prediction: Napoli 2-1 Como
Napoli’s strong defense will be a challenge for Como, but the visitors have shown enough form to put up a fight. Given that Como has conceded the most goals in the last 15 minutes of their games, Napoli’s late surge could decide the outcome. A narrow 2-1 win for Napoli seems likely as they aim to solidify their position at the top before the international break.
Como comes into this game having covered the +1.25 line in five of their last six games. Given Napoli’s inconsistent ability to cover the -1.25 spread, Como appears to be an attractive bet to keep the score close. For the adventurous bettor, a 2-2 draw is also an intriguing option, available at high odds.
For both teams, their most recent performances indicate that Napoli’s form has been defensively solid but sometimes lacking offensive punch. Meanwhile, Como is starting to see dividends from their attacking play, making this an interesting clash at Stadio Maradona.
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