Napoli Held 0-0 at Como as Champions League Race Tightens

Key facts

• Napoli drew 0-0 with Como in Serie A.
• Only five points separate Milan, Juventus, Roma and Como in the table.
• Napoli clinched its fourth Serie A title after a 2-0 win over Cagliari.
• Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku scored in the title-clinching match.
• Pope Leo XIV met with Napoli at the Vatican after the title win.
• Napoli has won four Serie A titles, six Coppa Italia, two Supercoppa Italiana, and one UEFA Cup.
• The club plays at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, capacity 54,732.

A Stalemate in the Race for Europe

SSC Napoli were held to a goalless draw at Como on Sunday, a result that tightens the Serie A battle for Champions League qualification. The match at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia saw both sides fail to break the deadlock, leaving Napoli in second place but now just five points clear of the chasing pack. That margin now separates Milan, Juventus, Roma and Como in the table, with five clubs still mathematically in contention for a top-four finish. Napoli's recent form has been inconsistent, and the draw at Como underscores the fragility of their position.

Title Celebrations Give Way to Uncertainty

The result came just days after Napoli were crowned Serie A champions for the fourth time in their history, following a 2-0 victory over Cagliari. Goals from Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku sealed the Scudetto, sparking celebrations across Naples and a meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Yet the euphoria has been tempered by a run of indifferent performances. Napoli were booed after a defeat to Lazio that put Inter Milan on the brink of the title, and Antonio Conte has hinted at a possible exit from the club, suggesting a return to the Italy national team job.

Conte's Future and Lukaku's Absence

Manager Antonio Conte, never one to remain static, has openly discussed the possibility of leaving Napoli. His comments have fueled speculation that he could be the next Italy coach, a role he previously held from 2018 to 2023. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku missed training ahead of a crucial clash with AC Milan, raising doubts about his availability. The Belgian striker has been a key figure in Napoli's campaign, and his absence would be a significant blow to their Champions League hopes.

A Club Rebuilt from Ashes

Napoli's modern resurgence has been orchestrated by owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, who took over in 2004 after the club filed for bankruptcy. Under his stewardship, Napoli have won two Scudetti—in 2023 and 2025—and re-established themselves as a force in Italian football. The club's history includes a golden era in the late 1980s with Diego Maradona, followed by financial struggles and a bankruptcy in 2004. The current squad, playing at the 54,732-seat Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, represents a return to stability and ambition.

The Road Ahead: Champions League or Bust

With only a handful of matches remaining, Napoli must navigate a tricky run-in to secure a top-four finish. The draw at Como has left little room for error, and the pressure will be on Conte's side to rediscover their title-winning form. Inter Milan, meanwhile, are closing in on the Serie A crown and could seal it as early as Sunday. For Napoli, the immediate priority is to halt their slide and ensure Champions League football returns to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona next season.

The bottom line

• Napoli's 0-0 draw with Como leaves the Champions League race wide open, with five points separating four clubs.
• The Partenopei were crowned Serie A champions after a 2-0 win over Cagliari, with goals from McTominay and Lukaku.
• Antonio Conte has hinted at leaving Napoli to manage Italy, adding uncertainty to the club's future.
• Romelu Lukaku's missed training could affect Napoli's crucial match against AC Milan.
• Napoli's revival under Aurelio De Laurentiis has brought two Scudetti since 2004, following a bankruptcy.