Conte expects open Como-Napoli clash and confirms Di Lorenzo return
Quick summary
Antonio Conte praised Cesc Fabregas before Napoli's Serie A trip to Como, saying both sides are proactive and unlikely to settle for a draw. He also confirmed Giovanni Di Lorenzo is back in the squad after a long injury layoff, while Romelu Lukaku, David Neres and Antonio Vergara remain unavailable.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAntonio Conte says his former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was ‘destined for greatness’ as a coach at Como, warning Napoli will engage in ‘an open game.’
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NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, argues with referee Giovanni Ayroldi during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) Napoli were knocked out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final by Como in a penalty shoot-out in February, and haven’t beaten them since a 3-1 home result in October 2024.
It is also a reunion with Conte’s former Chelsea midfielder Fabregas, who is now flourishing on the touchline.
Conte impressed with Fabregas career path COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “Neither of the two teams will certainly try to play for the draw, so I expect an open game,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“I am happy for Cesc, because he was always destined for greatness, and was fortunate during his career to play for teams like Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, working for top coaches over the years. He is a great coach because he studies carefully.
“Como are improving decisively year on year, causing real problems for the big clubs in Serie A, and will certainly keep growing.”
The Scudetto dream has sailed, as if Napoli lose here and Milan fail to get the better of Sassuolo tomorrow, then Inter will be mathematically crowned Champions of Italy without setting foot on the pitch.
Their focus now has to be on locking down second place, because Como are just eight points behind them in joint fifth with Roma, but a victory here would mathematically lock down Champions League qualification.
“We try to press high, create problems for our opponents, and Como are similar. These are two super organised teams who try to be pro-active and not passive, so both will try to take the initiative.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 24: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Cremonese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) Giovanni Di Lorenzo returns to the squad for the first time since a knee ligament injury three months ago, so only David Neres, Antonio Vergara and Romelu Lukaku are still out of action.
“Di Lorenzo had around 200 consecutive games, so he is a fundamental figure for us, both for his leadership, but also the attitude he brings on and off the field. He needs time to recover after so many months on the shelf, he only just started training with us this week, so it will take patience to get him back to full fitness,” concluded Conte.
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What happened
Ahead of Como vs Napoli, Antonio Conte described the match as likely to be open because both teams prefer to press high and take the initiative. He praised Como coach Cesc Fabregas as a serious and promising manager, noting Como's steady improvement and ability to trouble top Serie A sides. Conte also provided a squad update, with captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo returning after three months out, although not yet fully fit. Napoli still have absences in attack, with Romelu Lukaku, David Neres and Antonio Vergara unavailable, which could affect their offensive balance.
Chance analysis
This matters because Conte is explicitly signaling a proactive tactical setup from both teams, which raises the chance of a higher-tempo match rather than a conservative one. Di Lorenzo's return improves Napoli's leadership and defensive structure over time, but the continued absence of key attackers like Lukaku and Neres may still limit their attacking ceiling in the short term.
Likely slightly boosts Napoli structurally with Di Lorenzo back, but keeps their attack weakened while increasing the chance of an open match.
Treat this as a meaningful pre-match signal for game state and team strength: open tactical profile, partial defensive boost for Napoli, but ongoing attacking absences.