Napoli 1-1 Como (6-7 pens) | Heartbreak in Naples as Como Stun the Holders
The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was a scene of disbelief yesterday as Napoli crashed out of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. In a match defined by missed opportunities and a grueling penalty shootout, Cesc Fàbregas’ Como secured a historic victory, ending a 40-year wait to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Match Summary: A Fight to the Finish
Napoli entered the tie as heavy favorites but were hampered by a significant injury list, including the absence of key figures like Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne. The first half belonged to the visitors, who looked sharper and more disciplined.
In the 39th minute, Como took a deserved lead when Martin Baturina coolly converted from the penalty spot after Mathias Olivera was judged to have fouled Ivan Smolčić.
Antonio Conte’s halftime team talk seemed to spark an immediate reaction. Just 44 seconds into the second half, Antonio Vergara leveled the score, latching onto a flick from Rasmus Højlund to fire past Jean Butez. Despite late pressure from the Partenopei, including a frantic goal-line clearance from Nico Paz, the match headed straight to a shootout.
The Shootout: Sudden Death Drama
The tension reached fever pitch as the teams traded blows from 12 yards. Romelu Lukaku saw his effort fly wide early on, but Napoli stayed in the hunt thanks to a save from Vanja Milinković-Savić.
The shootout eventually went to sudden death. In a moment that will haunt the home supporters, captain Stanislav Lobotka saw his decisive spot-kick parried by Butez, sparking wild celebrations for the Lariani.
The Verdict: Conte’s Injury Crisis Bites
For Napoli, this defeat highlights the fragility of a squad stretched thin by injuries. While the focus now shifts entirely to the Scudetto race, the manner of this exit—at home against a mid-table side—will lead to questions about the team’s depth.
For Como, this is a landmark achievement. Fàbregas has instilled a belief in this side that was evident throughout the 90 minutes and the subsequent shootout.
