Napoli extends their advantage with David Neres scoring the team’s third goal. The match remains intense in the final minutes, with Calcio Como still fighting for a comeback.
Early excitement and Napoli’s initial lead
The clash between Napoli and Calcio Como for the 7th round of Serie A began electrifyingly. In just 2 minutes of play, Napoli took the lead with a goal from Scott McTominay, who finished off a precise pass from Romelu Lukaku. The fans at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium erupted with joy as their team took early control of the game.
Despite Napoli’s dominance, Calcio Como didn’t back down. In the 43rd minute, Strefezza equalized, scoring a goal that reignited hope for the visiting team. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams showing intensity and fighting for every play with vigor.
Lukaku shines again and puts Napoli back in front
At the start of the second half, Napoli returned determined to regain the lead. The home team increased their offensive plays, putting pressure on Como’s defense. In the 53rd minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Napoli after a VAR review confirmed a foul in the box. Romelu Lukaku, always decisive, calmly converted the spot-kick, putting Napoli back in the lead.
With a 2-1 scoreline, Napoli began to control possession and dictate the game’s pace. Calcio Como, on the other hand, sought opportunities to counterattack, but Napoli’s defense held strong, preventing the visitors from creating clear chances.
David Neres scores and consolidates Napoli’s lead
In the final minutes, with the clock at 86 minutes, Napoli managed to extend their lead. David Neres, who had come on for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the 79th minute, scored the third goal for the home team. The Brazilian took advantage of a pass from Romelu Lukaku and finished with precision, sending the ball into the net and putting Napoli up 3-1.
Neres’ goal nearly sealed the victory for Napoli, but Calcio Como continued to seek a reaction. The visiting team made substitutions to try and change the course of the match, with Andrea Belotti and Yannick Engelhardt entering the field to boost the attack.
Strategic substitutions and Napoli’s game management
Napoli’s coach Antonio Conte also made changes, reinforcing the midfield and ensuring his team maintained control in the final minutes. Leonardo Spinazzola replaced Romelu Lukaku, who was given a standing ovation by the fans in the 88th minute, and Rafa Marin substituted Mathias Olivera to solidify the defense.
Despite the substitutions, Napoli continued to press and maintain control. Calcio Como struggled to break through the defensive block set up by the home team, but they still pushed to reduce the deficit on the scoreboard.
Final moments of pressure from Calcio Como
Even with the unfavorable score, Calcio Como didn’t give up and continued to search for a second goal. In the 85th minute, Nicolas Paz Martinez had an opportunity, but his shot went wide, frustrating the visitors’ hopes of narrowing the gap. Soon after, the referee awarded a goal kick to Napoli, giving the home team some breathing room.
Como’s coach, Francesc Fabregas, had already used all the allowed substitutions, trying to give his team a new rhythm. Simone Verdi, who replaced Alieu Fadera in the 68th minute, and Andrea Belotti, who substituted Strefezza in the 83rd minute, aimed to increase Como’s offensive presence, but Napoli remained relentless in defense.
Substitution rundown and game control
- Napoli substitutions:
- Pasquale Mazzocchi came on for Matteo Politano in the 79th minute.
- David Neres replaced Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the 79th minute.
- Leonardo Spinazzola replaced Romelu Lukaku in the 88th minute.
- Rafa Marin substituted Mathias Olivera in the 88th minute.
- Calcio Como substitutions:
- Simone Verdi replaced Alieu Fadera in the 68th minute.
- Yannick Engelhardt came on for Ignace Van Der Brempt in the 84th minute.
- Andrea Belotti replaced Strefezza in the 83rd minute.
The game isn’t over: high expectations until the final whistle
With the 3-1 scoreline, Napoli is trying to manage the match and secure victory, but Calcio Como is still pushing for a final move in the remaining minutes. The game remains open, and any defensive error could reignite the visitors’ hopes. The tension will continue until the final whistle, with both teams giving their all on the pitch.
Napoli, with a comfortable lead, still needs to remain focused to prevent a Como comeback. The 3-1 score reflects Napoli’s superiority, but Calcio Como has shown in the past that they can surprise until the very last moment.