Como and Napoli Play Out Goalless Draw as Serie A Title Race Nears Its End
A tense stalemate at Stadio Sinigaglia leaves Napoli's fading title hopes on life support while Como's Champions League push stalls.

NIGERIA —
Key facts
- Match ended Como 0, Napoli 0 on 2 May 2026.
- Napoli sit second in Serie A, 10 points behind Inter Milan with four games left.
- Como are fifth, in a tight top-four battle.
- Matteo Politano hit the left post for Napoli and received a yellow card.
- Nico Paz missed the match after a head injury sustained against Genoa.
- Cesc Fabregas has been given permission to speak to Chelsea about their managerial vacancy.
- Real Madrid activated a buyback clause for Nico Paz, likely leaving Como this summer.
Stalemate at Sinigaglia
Como and Napoli played out a goalless draw at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on Saturday evening, a result that edges Napoli closer to surrendering their Serie A title. The reigning champions trail Inter Milan by 10 points with only four matches remaining, making a successful defence mathematically improbable. Napoli's best chance came when Matteo Politano struck the left post from outside the box after a pass from Frank Anguissa. The winger was later booked for a bad foul. Como's Jacobo Ramón conceded a corner that led to the opportunity, but the hosts held firm.
Napoli's Title Defence on the Brink
A defeat would have formally ended Napoli's title hopes, but the draw does little to close the gap. Antonio Conte's side swept aside Cremonese 4-0 last weekend, with Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rasmus Hojlund all scoring, yet they could not replicate that form away from home. Napoli's away form has been patchy, and Conte may have been outmanoeuvred by his former player Cesc Fabregas. The visitors remain second in the table but face an uphill task to retain the Scudetto.
Como's Champions League Push Hits a Snag
Como entered the match in fifth place, buoyed by a 2-0 win over Genoa last Saturday. However, that victory came at a cost: midfielder Nico Paz suffered a head injury in the first half and was taken to hospital. His absence was keenly felt against Napoli. With a top-four finish still within reach, Como needed a win to boost their Champions League hopes. The draw leaves them in the thick of a tight race, with victory also set to confirm Inter Milan's coronation as champions.
Fabregas's Future Adds Uncertainty
Cesc Fabregas's position as Como manager is under scrutiny after the club's president confirmed the Spaniard is free to speak to Chelsea about their managerial vacancy. This could be one of his final games in charge at the Sinigaglia. The uncertainty surrounding Fabregas may affect squad focus, though the team showed resilience against Napoli. Fabregas, a former player under Conte, matched his old mentor tactically in a tightly contested match.
Real Madrid's Buyback Clause Looms Over Como
Real Madrid have activated a buyback clause for Nico Paz, the Argentine midfielder who has been a key figure for Como this season. His departure this summer has been widely reported, adding another subplot to Como's campaign. Paz's potential exit represents a significant loss for Como, who have relied on his creativity. For now, the focus remains on the pitch, but the club faces an important transfer window ahead.
What Comes Next for Both Sides
Napoli must win their remaining four matches and hope Inter slip up to have any chance of retaining the title. Their inconsistency away from home remains a concern, but the squad's quality, demonstrated against Cremonese, suggests they can still finish strongly. Como, meanwhile, continue their push for a top-four finish. With Fabregas's future unresolved and Paz likely departing, the club faces a period of transition. The draw against Napoli keeps their hopes alive, but the margin for error is slim.
A Draw That Favours Inter
The goalless stalemate at Sinigaglia ultimately benefits Inter Milan, who now need just a few more points to seal the title. Napoli's title defence is effectively over, while Como's Champions League ambitions remain in the balance. For the neutral, the match was a tense affair with few clear chances, but the implications for the Serie A standings are significant. Both teams will reflect on missed opportunities as the season enters its final stretch.
The bottom line
- Napoli are 10 points behind Inter with four games left, making a title defence highly unlikely.
- Como missed Nico Paz, who was sidelined with a head injury, and drew 0-0 at home.
- Cesc Fabregas may leave Como for Chelsea, adding managerial uncertainty.
- Real Madrid's buyback clause for Nico Paz means Como will likely lose a key player this summer.
- Inter Milan are on the verge of being crowned Serie A champions following this result.



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