Napoli and Como share goals in Serie A round two as Roma bolster defence with Balerdi ahead of Lecce clash

Goals shared at the Maradona

On Sunday, 30 August, Serie A's second round featured a headline clash between Napoli and Como at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, marking the first meeting this season between coaches Massimiliano Allegri (Napoli) and Cesc Fabregas (Como), rivals from last season. According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli arrived off a win over Genoa, while Como came in after a draw with Udinese.

Como started aggressively and took the lead in the 17th minute through Martin Baturina, set up by an incisive run from Assane Diao following a defensive lapse from Napoli. Napoli equalised in the 30th minute when Rasmus Höjlund controlled the ball at the edge of the box and curled it into the corner. The lead lasted only a few minutes, however: in the 34th minute Anastasios Douvikas capitalised on a mishit back-pass from André-Frank Zambo Anguissa to restore Como's advantage, as described in Corriere dello Sport's live coverage. Before half-time, goalkeeper Alex Meret produced two crucial saves, denying headers from Baturina and Nico Paz off a corner.

At half-time the score stood 2-1 in Como's favour, according to figures shown by la Repubblica, consistent with Corriere dello Sport's live commentary of Douvikas's goal restoring Como's lead. Napoli fielded new signing Noa Lang from the start, a choice Allegri explained before the match by citing the day's heat and the importance of substitutions. Fabregas, for his part, praised young midfielder Mattia Liberali. Per Fantacalcio, the match was broadcast exclusively on DAZN.

Roma strengthen defence ahead of Lecce trip

Ahead of Monday's away fixture against Lecce, Roma officially announced the signing of Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi from Olympique Marseille, as reported by RomaPress. The move is a loan with an option/obligation to buy; sources cite a total package of up to €16 million, with an initial loan fee around €1 million and a buy clause reaching up to €15 million. Balerdi becomes one of several Argentines in Roma's squad, joining players such as Dybala and Soulé.

Lecce coach Eusebio Di Francesco, a former Roma manager himself, previewed the match by calling Roma "the most in-form team in Serie A" and stressing the need to contain them defensively. He also noted that defender Thiago Gabriel, linked to both clubs, could potentially start the match, though he declined to confirm the lineup in advance.