Overview
Napoli enters the new season with high expectations under coach Max Allegri after finishing second in Serie A and winning the Italian Super Cup last season. The 2-0 victory over Genoa on the opening day is a positive sign, especially when Kevin De Bruyne quickly made his mark with a goal and an assist.
Notably, Napoli will have major confrontations in the Champions League with Arsenal and Manchester City. After a difficult away season, winning all 3 points against Genoa will be of great significance to Allegri's team.
At home, Napoli is having a very impressive record when they won the opening match of Serie A at the Maradona stadium for 10 consecutive seasons. They will aim to extend this streak when welcoming Como.
On the other side, Como is showing great ambition after rising from Serie C in just a few years. Last season, coach Cesc Fabregas's team surprised when finishing fourth in Serie A, keeping a clean sheet in 19 matches and reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals for the first time.
Como has also only lost one of their last 12 away matches in Serie A, but they did not have a perfect start to the new season when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Udinese. Tasos Douvikas, the team's top scorer last season, scored the equalizer.
The head-to-head record is in favor of Napoli when Como has only won 2 out of 26 previous encounters in the top Italian league. However, both encounters last season ended with a score of 0-0, showing that Como is completely capable of causing difficulties for the home team.
Personnel situation
Napoli will not have the service of two central defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci. Meanwhile, Pasquale Mazzocchi is expected to return after a knee injury, and new player Benoit Badiashile may be registered on the bench.
Kevin De Bruyne may be used to replace Frank Anguissa in midfield, but the final decision has not yet been confirmed. In attack, Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay, the top scorer for Napoli last season, are expected to continue to start.
On the Como side, Tasos Douvikas is likely to still lead the attack. The Greek striker may soon play alongside Moise Kean, who is preparing to join Como. While waiting, Douvikas will receive support from Nico Paz.
Paz has scored 18 goals and has 14 assists since moving to Serie A 2 years ago, thereby becoming one of the most important attacking players of Como.
Three new signings Trevoh Chalobah, Luis Milla and Yan Couto all started in the match against Udinese. Willy Kambwala may also play after moving from Villarreal. Jayden Addai is the only case of Como missing due to a long-term injury.
Expected lineup:
Meret, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin, Spinazzola, Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay, Politano, Hojlund, Alisson.
Butez, Couto, Chalobah, Ramon, Valle, Perrone, Da Cunha, Diao, Paz, Baturina, Douvikas.
The match between Napoli and Como takes place at 11:30 PM on August 30 (Vietnam time).
