Antonio Conte has guided Napoli back to the top of Serie A for the first time since their 2023 title win, but the veteran coach remains cautious about their prospects of regaining the crown. While fans are dreaming of a second title in three years, Conte insists on keeping his expectations grounded.
Napoli currently lead the table by a point after six rounds, possibly benefiting from not being involved in European competition this season, following last year’s disappointing 10th-place finish. However, the title race is tight, with Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Torino all within two points of the leaders.
Inter Milan host Torino on Saturday, with star forward Lautaro Martinez rediscovering his scoring touch in the Champions League, while Juventus and AC Milan face favourable fixtures against Cagliari and Fiorentina, respectively. Como, who sit in 10th place and are buoyed by back-to-back wins, will pose a challenge for Napoli on Friday.
Despite Napoli’s solid start, Conte, a four-time Serie A title winner with Juventus and Inter, is wary of overconfidence. “There is an advantage and a disadvantage — the advantage is that you can train the team all week, the disadvantage is that the squad is not as competitive as those that do play in Europe.”
Conte also pointed out that Napoli are still in a period of adjustment following significant changes, including the unexpected loan of star striker Victor Osimhen to Turkish side Galatasaray.
Polish midfielder Piotr Zielinski also left the club over the summer, adding to the challenges Conte faces in reshaping the squad.
While Napoli’s defence has been strong, conceding just four goals so far, Fabregas’ Como will look to test their resolve. Forward Patrick Cutrone has been in fine form, netting twice in Como’s 3-2 victory over Verona, bringing his season tally to four goals. However, Fabregas has concerns about his side’s defence, which has conceded 11 goals.