Can Como’s giant killers end Napoli’s unbeaten home run to reach the Coppa Italia semi-finals?
Napoli and Como meet at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Tuesday with a place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals at stake.
The Serie A third-place team will be aiming to continue their strong domestic form and extend their unbeaten home run, which has lasted more than a year.
Como arrive on the back of an impressive campaign, currently sixth in the league, having shown they can compete with the top sides.
Their previous meeting this season ended in a 0-0 draw, underlining how closely matched the sides can be.
Napoli needed a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to beat Genoa 3-2 at the weekend, showing both their resilience and the occasional vulnerability at the back.
Rasmus Hojlund scored the decisive penalty after goals from him and Scott McTominay overturned an early deficit, despite Napoli being reduced to ten men late on.
Antonio Conte’s side have won back-to-back Serie A matches and sit in a strong position for Champions League qualification, giving them confidence heading into this cup tie.
The six-time Coppa Italia winners also have home advantage on their side, having lost just once at the Maradona this season.
Como, meanwhile, were held to a 0-0 draw by ten-man Atalanta in their last outing, despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances.
Nico Paz’s late penalty was saved, leaving Como to settle for a point but demonstrating their ability to pressure strong opposition for the full 90 minutes.
Cesc Fabregas’ team have won six of their last nine matches and are seeking their first Coppa Italia semi-final in 40 years.
Como have also enjoyed success on the road this season, winning their last four away fixtures and scoring consistently in each of those games.
Both teams have shown defensive solidity at key moments, suggesting a tight contest that could hinge on a single mistake or moment of brilliance.
Napoli will rely on Hojlund and McTominay to provide firepower, while Como’s attacking threat revolves around Paz and Anastasios Douvikas.
With no margin for error, a winner must emerge on Tuesday, making this quarter-final a compelling clash between two sides in strong form.
Expect a tactical, tense encounter with high stakes, as Napoli look to uphold their status and Como aim to make history.