Como secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday, handing Cesc Fabregas’ side a major boost in their early Serie A campaign.
Martin Baturina and Tasos Douvikas were on target for the visitors, while Rasmus Højlund scored Napoli’s only goal as the home side suffered a disappointing defeat.
Como took control in the 16th minute when Assane Diao broke down the right before cutting the ball back to Baturina.
The midfielder turned sharply inside the penalty area and fired into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.
Napoli responded quickly and nearly levelled through Noa Lang, who headed Matteo Politano’s cross just over the bar.
The hosts eventually found their equaliser in the 30th minute.
Højlund collected the ball on the edge of the box, turned away from the Como defence and drilled his effort through a crowd of players and into the bottom corner.
However, Napoli’s joy lasted only four minutes.
A poor attempt to play out from the back by Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa allowed Baturina to intercept the ball and create an opportunity for Douvikas, who calmly finished from inside the area to restore Como’s advantage.
Como could have extended their lead before the interval, with Alex Meret making a fine save to deny Baturina’s header.
Nico Paz also came close from the resulting corner, but his effort failed to cross the line.
Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri introduced Kevin De Bruyne, Alisson Santos and Leonardo Spinazzola after the break as the hosts searched for another equaliser.
The changes gave Napoli more attacking momentum, with De Bruyne and Alisson Santos both going close. Como goalkeeper Butez also reacted quickly to prevent Højlund from capitalising on a dangerous opportunity.
Despite sustained pressure from Napoli late in the game, Como held firm and secured all three points.
Stanislav Lobotka appeared to have rescued Napoli in the fifth minute of stoppage time when he found the net, but the goal was ruled out because Lorenzo Lucca had been offside in the build-up.
The result gives Fabregas’ Como an impressive away victory, while Napoli will be left to reflect on defensive mistakes that ultimately proved costly.
