Napoli’s Coppa Italia run ended in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, falling 7-6 on penalties to Como after a 1-1 draw. The stunning upset saw Serie A side Napoli eliminated by a team currently competing in the second tier of Italian football, with a costly miss from striker Romelu Lukaku proving decisive.
The match, played at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, saw Como take the lead through a 39th-minute penalty converted by Martin Baturina. The penalty was awarded after Ivan Smolcic was fouled while attempting to turn in a cross. Napoli responded quickly after the restart, with Antonio Vergara leveling the score just 44 seconds into the second half, finishing a move started by a flick-on from Rasmus Hojlund.
Despite chances for both sides to secure a winner in regulation time – including a vital clearance from Nico Paz for Como and a save from Vanja Milinkovic-Savic to deny Mergim Vojvoda – the match remained tied, forcing a penalty shootout.
The shootout proved to be a nerve-wracking affair. Lukaku was the first to falter, sending his effort wide of the right post. While Milinkovic-Savic initially kept Napoli in the contest with a save from Maximo Perrone, the shootout continued into sudden death after a series of successful kicks, including a remarkable attempt from Milinkovic-Savic himself that hit the crossbar, the back of Jean Butez’s head, and the post before settling in the net.
it was Napoli who cracked under the pressure. Jean Butez, the Como goalkeeper, plunged to his right to deny Stanislav Lobotka’s attempt, sending Como through to the semi-finals for the first time in 40 years. They will face Inter Milan in a two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for early March and the return fixture in late April.
This marks a significant achievement for Como, who haven’t reached this stage of the competition since the 1985-86 season. That run saw them eliminate Juventus and the then-Scudetto holders Hellas Verona before falling to Sampdoria in the semi-finals.
The defeat is a blow to Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, who were hoping to add another trophy to their cabinet this season. The loss raises questions about their form and consistency, particularly after a strong showing last season.
Lukaku’s missed penalty will undoubtedly be a major talking point. The Belgian international, on loan from Chelsea, has struggled to consistently uncover the back of the net since arriving in Naples, and this miss will only intensify the scrutiny on his performances. He currently has 14 goals in 38 appearances for Napoli this season.
Como’s victory is a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline. Under the guidance of manager Cesc Fabregas, they have established themselves as a formidable opponent, capable of upsetting even the most established teams. Their ability to remain composed under pressure, particularly during the penalty shootout, was crucial to their success.
The other semi-final tie will see Atalanta face the winners of Wednesday’s quarter-final match between Bologna and Lazio. The outcome of this competition could have significant implications for the participating clubs’ European qualification hopes for next season.
The dramatic penalty shootout and Como’s unexpected triumph serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cup competitions and the potential for upsets, even at the highest levels of Italian football. The result will be celebrated in Como, while Napoli will be left to reflect on a missed opportunity and a painful exit from the Coppa Italia.
