Napoli host Como with focus also on Allegri-Fàbregas rivalry

A rematch after last season's flashpoint

On Sunday at 18:30, Napoli host Como at the Maradona stadium in the second round of Serie A, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. It marks Napoli's first home match of the new season and comes with extra attention on the relationship between the two coaches, Massimiliano Allegri and Cesc Fàbregas. Tension boiled over last season when Allegri's Milan faced Como, after Fàbregas criticised the Rossoneri's style of play; the two coaches had to be separated in the technical area, though they shook hands after the final whistle.

Ahead of Sunday's game, Allegri insisted there is "no problem" between him and Fàbregas, as reported by FotMob. "Tension causes arguments, but nothing more. There's no problem. Tomorrow it's not Allegri against Fàbregas, but Napoli against Como," he said, adding that Fàbregas is a coach with a genuinely promising future who has already achieved excellent results, and praising Como as the surprise package of Italian football this season, having also secured qualification for the Champions League.

Form and line-ups

The two sides opened the season differently — Napoli beat Genoa 2-0 in round one, while Como drew 1-1 with Udinese. Per Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri lines up with Meret in goal, a back four of Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Rafa Marin and Olivera, a midfield of Anguissa, Lobotka and McTominay, and Politano alongside new inclusion Lang supporting Hojlund in a 4-3-3. Fàbregas responds with Butez in goal, a defence of Couto, Ramon, Chalobah and Valle, Da Cunha and Milla in midfield, and an attacking line of Diao, Nico Paz and Baturina behind sole striker Douvikas in a 4-2-3-1.

Speaking before kick-off, Fàbregas said the match must be played "with a lot of intelligence," noting that after thirty minutes of chasing opponents it becomes difficult, so managing the game's moments well will be key. He also spoke positively about new signing Liberali's integration into the squad and said Como's rising level, including underrated players like Milla, allows the club to build a stronger team going forward.

Numbers and prediction

According to FotMob/Opta data, Napoli hold their best home win rate in Serie A against any opponent they have faced at least ten times when playing Como — 12 wins in 13 matches (92.3%), the sole exception being a goalless draw last November. Overall, Como have won just two of 26 meetings with Napoli in Serie A's top flight. Opta's model gave Napoli a 39.4% chance of victory, a draw 28.7%, and Como 31.9%.