Como vs Napoli
Como are one of the fastest-rising teams in Italy over the past few years. After securing their Serie A promotion in 2023-24, I Lariani finished 10th last season, and now they’re on the brink of securing European football next term. At this point, it’s a matter of where they’ll end up: either in the Champions League, Europa League, or Europa Conference League.
If the season ended now, Como are in the Europa League, as they’re fifth in the Italian top-flight standings with 61 points, level with sixth-seeded AS Roma. Cesc Fabregas’ men recently ended their three-game winless run (D1, L2) with a much-needed 2-0 win against Genoa.
I Lariani will host Napoli at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia Djarum on Saturday night. Napoli are second in the standings with 69 points, and are fresh from a 4-0 rout of Cremonese last time out.
Talking Points
Como lists Paz as doubtful
Como are sweating on Nico Paz’s fitness ahead of their match against Napoli, as the 21-year-old attacking midfielder sustained a head injury during their 2-0 win over Genoa. Paz banged heads with Alessandro Marcandalli during the first half, which caused him to have vision struggles. Consequently, he was replaced at halftime by Maxence Caqueret and immediately went to the hospital for tests.
Fortunately for I Lariani, Paz had been released from the hospital after his test showed no lasting issues, and he could return to the squad soon. However, Como might not rush him back against Napoli, given the tricky nature of concussions.
Losing Paz is a big blow to Como’s attack, as he has been a revelation this year, scoring 13 goals and dishing out eight assists across 38 competitive matches. Anastasios Douvikas, Assane Diao, and Martin Baturina, with 20 goals combined, will likely assume the heavy workload on offence, and Caqueret will likely take Paz’s spot in the starting XI.
Beyond his head injury, Paz could leave Como this summer, as Real Madrid are reportedly keen on triggering his €9 million buy-back option.
Manchester duo leads the way again for Napoli
Napoli returned to winning ways with their home rout of Cremonese, as Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, and an own goal from Filippo Terracciano gave the hosts a 3-0 lead before Alisson Santos made it 4-0 early in the second half.
McTominay has scored three goals in his last five appearances, while De Bruyne was arguably the Man of the Match for his complete performance against Crermonese. De Bruyne teed up McTominay for the opener and was a constant presence in the midfield throughout his shift. Meanwhile, Santos has scored his third goal for the Partenopei since joining the team last January.
These three are expected to lead the line (alongside striker Rasmus Hojlund) against Como this Saturday. Romelu Lukaku remains a notable absentee, as the Belgian forward is still at odds with manager Antonio Conte.
History
Saturday marks the third meeting between Como and Napoli this season. After a goalless draw in their first league meeting last November, Como eliminated Napoli in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals last February via penalties.
Como have yet to beat a Top 3 team in Serie A at any venue this term (D2, L3). However, they’ve only lost one of their four matches against Napoli since returning to the Italian top-flight (W2, D1).
Six of Napoli’s seven Serie A losses this term have come on the road, with just three of their nine such wins this season coming against sides starting the new matchday within the Top 13 (D2, L6). The Partenopei scored a league-high six away goals in the opening 15 minutes this season.
Betting Tip
The Serie A 2026 odds back Como to beat Napoli at home this Saturday evening. Como are at 2.23 odds to take three points, while Napoli are priced to win or draw at 3.06 in the 1X2 market. We’re backing Napoli to win, simply because they have the stronger roster on paper.
Besides rooting for a Partenopei victory, SBOTOP football fans and punters can expect new Serie A 2026 highlights this weekend, as both teams can score goals. You can consider adding Over 2.00 at 1.64, Over 2.25 at 1.95, Over 2.50 at 2.23, and Total Goals 2-3 at 1.97 to the parlay.
Furthermore, a Correct Score of 1-1 after 90 minutes – the result of their most recent matchup – yields a payout of 5.90. And the Correct Score of 0-0 – the result of their reverse league fixture – is also on offer at 8.40.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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