Napoli Vs Como [1–1 (6-7)] – Coppa Italia 2025/2026: Cesc Fàbregas’ Calculated Gamble Pays Off – Tactical Analysis

Napoli hosted Como at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia and lost the game on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Both teams feared a defeat and were cautious in this match, especially after scoring one goal each.

The loss was disappointing for Napoli, who have lost almost everything this season and will finish the season with a single target: securing a place in the top four in the Serie A standings.

This can be considered a failure for the team and the head coach, even though the circumstances, and especially the injuries, did not serve the team well.

That said, it cannot be acceptable for a team that won the Serie A title last season to be knocked out following the UEFA Champions League group stage, as that was even more disappointing compared to the elimination from the Coppa Italia.

On the other hand, Como arrived in Napoli without pressure and with the aim of going as far as possible in this tournament.

Como achieved their objective at the end of the day, even though they did not play their usual attacking football throughout the match and adopted a different approach to the game.

In this tactical analysis article, we examine the factors that prevented Napoli from scoring a second goal and from attacking effectively, particularly in the first half, and assess the role of Nico Paz in the game.

Napoli Vs Como Lineups & Formations

Antonio Conte started the match using a 3-4-3 formation, with Vanja Milinković-Savić as goalkeeper and a defensive line of Juan Jesus, Amir Rrahmani, and Sam Beukema.

The midfield comprised Stanislav Lobotka and Eljif Elmas as central midfielders, Pasquale Mazzocchi and Mathías Olivera as wing-backs, Antonio Vergara and Giovane as wingers, and Rasmus Højlund as the main striker.

On the other hand, Cesc Fàbregas started the match in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jean Butez as the goalkeeper, Jacobo Ramón and Diego Carlos as centre-backs, Ivan Smolčić as a right-back, and Álex Valle as a left-back.

The midfield comprised Sergi Roberto and Máximo Perrone as central midfielders, with Maxence Caqueret as an attacking midfielder.

Upfront, the attacking line was made up of Jayden Addai as a right winger, Martin Baturina as a left winger, and Paz as the team’s main striker, or rather false nine.

Napoli Final Passing Errors & Como Change Of Approach

Napoli started the match with calculated caution and with the objective of stopping or at least limiting Como’s attacking plans.

Conte was aware of Como’s possession ambitions and their continuous desire to keep the ball in the opponent’s half, employing a quick-passing system that attacks from the wings and exploits numerical superiority on those sides.