Como produced one of the biggest shocks of the Italian domestic season after eliminating Napoli on penalties at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium to book a historic place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
It marks only the second time in Como’s history that they have reached the final four of the competition and their first appearance at this stage in four decades, as Cesc Fabregas continues to guide the club through a remarkable campaign.
Napoli, led by Antonio Conte, entered the tie hoping to build on the manager’s milestone 400th career victory at the weekend. Instead, the home side delivered a subdued first half and paid the price against an organised and confident Como outfit.
The opening 45 minutes saw Napoli struggle to impose themselves. Their best chance arrived after 15 minutes when Stanislav Lobotka attempted his luck from distance, but Jean Butez gathered comfortably.
Como gradually grew into the contest and began testing Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic Savic. Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone threatened before Ivan Smolcic missed a promising opportunity at the back post.
The decisive moment of the first half arrived following a lengthy VAR review. Smolcic was adjudged to have been brought down by Mathias Olivera inside the area and a penalty was awarded. Martin Baturina stepped up and calmly converted into the bottom corner to give Como a deserved lead.
Napoli needed a response and found one almost immediately after the restart. Just 43 seconds into the second half, Rasmus Hojlund flicked on to release Antonio Vergara, who showed composure to finish past Butez and restore parity.
The match then settled into a tense, evenly balanced encounter. Como nearly regained the lead before the hour when Jayden Addai broke through, but Milinkovic Savic produced a fine save from a tight angle.
Both sides tightened defensively as the game wore on. Chances were limited, although Mergim Vojvoda forced another important stop from the Napoli goalkeeper late on. With neither team able to find a winner, the tie moved to penalties.
The shootout provided further drama. Como converted their first two penalties before Romelu Lukaku dragged his effort wide to hand the visitors an early advantage. Perrone then saw his spot kick saved by Milinkovic-Savic, sending the contest into sudden death.
Marc Oliver Kempf coolly converted to make it 7-6, before Butez stepped up as the hero, saving Lobotka’s penalty to seal a famous victory and spark wild celebrations among the travelling Como players and staff.
Conte left frustrated
The defeat represents another setback for Conte’s Napoli, who have now exited two cup competitions in the space of two weeks. With their Coppa Italia hopes over, Napoli’s focus now turns entirely to the Serie A title race.
For Como and Fabregas, however, the night will be remembered as one of the most significant in the club’s modern history as they move within touching distance of a first-ever Coppa Italia final.
