In a match that was far from exciting, we witnessed a great fight from Como, a team battling for survival. Thanks to the brilliance of Nico Paz and Assane Diao, they secured a victory against the former champion.If we consider the situation both teams, especially Napoli, are in, it was to be expected that the match would be full of action, chances, and even goals. And that’s exactly how it started. From the very beginning, Napoli, under the pressure of needing a win, launched an attack. However, trouble for the visiting team arose in 7th minute when, after routine passes in defense, Amir Rrahmani made a mistake, and while trying to return the ball to the goalkeeper, he didn’t even look at where Meret was, thus sending the ball into the empty net for a goal, much to the delight of the home team’s supporters and bench.⚽️ GOAL: Rrahmani (OG)🇮🇹 Como 1-0 Napolipic.twitter.com/FWQfMSzTht— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) February 23, 2025 Napoli didn’t allow this situation to demoralize them in their quest, and in the 10th minute, Lobotka attempted a volley to threaten the goalkeeper Butez, but failed. In a matter of seconds, Napoli had two more good chances. First, new signing Billing shot a free kick directly at the home keeper, and then Di Lorenzo, after a corner, had a good chance to bring his team level, but the ball went over the goal.⚽️ GOAL: Raspadori 🇮🇹 Como 1-1 Napolipic.twitter.com/p49NRdq11Y— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) February 23, 2025 When the attackers couldn’t get it done, it was the defenses of both teams that allowed the opponent to score. Just like Rrahmani’s goal, in the 17th minute, we saw a big mistake from Como’s defense when the center-backs awkwardly reacted, and Giacomo Raspadori found himself alone against the home goalkeeper, bringing his team to an equalizer. It was as though both teams stopped after that, and until the end of the first half, we didn’t see any serious chances from either side. The only noteworthy moment came when Alex Valle shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball went wide of the goal.⏸️Half time#ComoNapoli 1-1 pic.twitter.com/EHvaBSqGC7— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) February 23, 2025 As the first half ended, the second half began in the same rhythm—without any serious chances on either side. The only difference from the first part of the game was that the home team took greater possession of the ball, leaving Napoli with no space to approach goalkeeper Butez.Among all the attacks Como had, the only notable moment was a controversial situation where the home side demanded a penalty for a handball, but the referee waved play on.It took until the 66th minute for Napoli to create their first real attack and chance when Scott McTominay dribbled past two defenders, but Butez managed to tip the ball with his fingertips, sending it just over the crossbar. The same player had another chance four minutes later, heading the ball over the goal.Butez with a big save to foil McTominay! 😯#ComoNapoli 1-1— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 23, 2025 This was a period dominated by the visitors, and another opportunity worth mentioning came in the 75th minute when Anguissa took a shot from a promising position, but it went straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.As often happens in football, missed chances lead to punishment. Just two minutes after Napoli’s wasted opportunity, the home team launched a counterattack. After a great solo run by Nico Paz, Assane Diao responded brilliantly, striking from the edge of the box into the bottom right corner of Meret’s goal, putting his team ahead 2-1.⚽️ GOAL: Assane Diao🇮🇹 Como 2-1 Napolipic.twitter.com/oU64Bdfm9t— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) February 23, 2025 Until the end of the match, there were no major chances on either side. After this game, Como gets a huge boost in their battle for survival, while Napoli remains in second place on the table, making their upcoming clash with first-placed Inter a must-win in the title race.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 26Friday Lecce – Udinese 0-1 (0-1)/Lucca 32 pen/Saturday Parma – Bologna 2-0 (1-0)/Bonny 37 pen, Sohm 79/Venezia – Lazio 0-0Torino – Milan 2-1 (1-0)/Thiaw 5 og, Gineitis 76 – Reijnders 74/Inter – Genoa 1-0 (0-0)/Martinez 78/Sunday Como – Napoli 2-1 (1-1)/Rrahmani 7 (og), Diao 77 – Raspadori 17/17.00: (4.30) Verona (3.60) Fiorentina (1.95)20.00: (6.00) Empoli (4.20) Atalanta (1.60)22.45: (4.20) Cagliari (3.50) Juventus (1.90)Monday 22.45: (1.32) Roma (5.10) Monza (10.0)***odds are subject to change***
