Napoli draw 0-0 at Como, boosting Inter’s Serie A title chances while dealing a blow to Como’s Champions League hopes.
Napoli were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Como, a result that could decide the Serie A title race. The stalemate leaves Inter Milan needing just one point to be crowned champions. It was a game of missed chances, especially for the hosts.
Como began brightly and created the better chances early on. Tasos Douvikas came closest in the eighth minute after rounding Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. However, his delay allowed Amir Rrahmani to recover and clear off the line.
The home side continued to apply pressure with direct attacking play. Ivan Smolcic headed wide from a promising position soon after. Napoli struggled to establish control and rarely threatened in the opening half. Milinkovic-Savic was called into action again to deny Assane Diao. Como went into the break level at 0-0 despite generating an expected goals figure of 1.35 to Napoli’s 0.42.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Como still dangerous in attack. Diao missed another opportunity just after the hour mark, heading over from close range. Napoli’s goalkeeper remained alert, producing key saves to keep his side in the game.
Napoli only began to show attacking intent late in the match. Scott McTominay dragged a shot wide in their first real opening. Matteo Politano then struck the post with a curling effort from the edge of the box. Despite late pressure, Napoli could not find a breakthrough. Como also lacked the final touch, and the match ended goalless.
Milinkovic-Savic was Napoli’s standout player, making several crucial saves. His interventions kept the visitors level during Como’s dominant spells. Rrahmani also made an important goal-line clearance early on.
For Como, Douvikas and Diao were lively but lacked composure in front of goal. Martin Baturina tested the goalkeeper with a deflected effort, while the defence held firm throughout. Both sides showed defensive discipline, but attacking efficiency was missing.
Politano’s late strike against the post was Napoli’s best chance. It summed up a frustrating evening for the visitors in front of goal.
Como registered 16 attempts, five on target and created higher-quality chances overall. Their expected goals stood at 1.79, compared to Napoli’s tally of 0.66 from eight shots, and only one on target. Napoli struggled to produce clear openings until the final stages.
Possession was relatively balanced, though Como used the ball more effectively in attack. Napoli had fewer shots on target and lacked creativity in the final third. The hosts controlled key phases but could not convert their dominance. Defensively, both teams were organised and disciplined. Como recorded another clean sheet, continuing an impressive trend this season.
The result leaves Napoli second, nine points behind Inter with three matches remaining. Inter now need just one point from their next game to secure the title. Napoli’s title defence has effectively come to an end.
For Como, the draw represents a missed opportunity in the race for Champions League qualification. They remain fifth, two points behind Juventus. With only a few matches left, every dropped point carries significant weight.
Napoli will look to finish the season strongly despite their title hopes fading. Antonio Conte’s side will host Bologna next weekend. Como face a crucial run of fixtures against Verona, Parma and Cremonese as they chase European qualification.
Inter, meanwhile, are on the brink of lifting the Serie A trophy. The title race could be decided in the next round of matches.
