Napoli’s Coppa Italia campaign ended in heartbreak at the quarter-final stage as they were eliminated 7-6 on penalties by Cesc Fabregas’ Como, following a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
Stanislav Lobotka became the unlikely villain for last season’s Scudetto winners when his sudden-death penalty was brilliantly saved by Jean Butez, sending Como to their first semi-final in four decades.
Como dominated the first half and took the lead in the 39th minute through Martin Baturina’s penalty, awarded after Mathias Olivera fouled Ivan Smolcic as the full-back tried to convert a far-post cross.
Napoli, however, struck back almost immediately, equalising just 44 seconds into the second half. Antonio Vergara capitalized on Rasmus Hojlund’s flick-on to calmly slot the ball home.
Both sides came close to winning in regular time. Nico Paz made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Napoli, while Vanja Milinkovic-Savic was alert to block Mergim Vojvoda at the other end.
The drama escalated to a penalty shoot-out, where Romelu Lukaku opened with a wayward effort, sending the ball wide, though Milinkovic-Savic denied Maximo Perrone to keep Napoli alive.
After eight successful kicks, including a remarkable Milinkovic-Savic attempt that bounced off the crossbar, Butez’s head, and the post before finding the net—the Como goalkeeper dived to stop Lobotka’s kick, sealing a famous victory.
This marks Como’s first Coppa Italia semi-final appearance since the 1985-86 season. That historic run saw them eliminate Juventus and Scudetto holders Hellas Verona, only to lose to Sampdoria in a match abandoned due to crowd trouble after conceding a late equalizer.
Now, 40 years later, Fabregas’ side will face Serie A leaders Inter in the semi-finals.
Como arguably deserved the win, edging Napoli in key stats: nine shots to eight, four on target to three, 15 touches in the opposition box to nine, and 1.08 expected goals (xG) to 0.58.
