Como Triumphs in Epic Penalty Shootout, Napoli Falls; Lukaku’s Costly Miss
In a thrilling quarterfinal match of the Coppa Italia, Como emerged victorious over Napoli after a gripping penalty shootout. The match unfolded at the iconic Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where fans eagerly awaited the clash between these two teams.
Match Summary
The game ended 1-1 after regular time. Como took the lead with a goal from Baturina in the first half. Napoli responded with an equalizer from Vergara shortly after the break. Despite several opportunities, neither team could secure a winner in the standard 90 minutes.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The decisive moment came during the penalty shootout. In an intense series, both teams displayed skill and nerve. However, key misses marked the shootout for Napoli:
- Lukaku failed to convert his penalty.
- Lobotka’s crucial miss sealed Napoli’s fate in the shootout.
Como successfully converted their penalties, with notable contributions from players like Baturina and Smolcic. This victory marked Como’s advancement to the semifinals, making it their second time reaching this stage in the Coppa Italia’s history, the first being in the 1985/86 season.
Key Events and Statistics
- Final Score: Napoli 1 – Como 1 (Como won 5-4 on penalties)
- Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
- Como’s Historic Achievement: Reached Coppa Italia semifinals for only the second time.
The match was a source of frustration for Napoli, highlighted by an incident where they protested for a missed double yellow card against Jacobo Ramon. Manager Antonio Conte expressed his frustration to the officials, emphasizing the need for courageous decisions.
Post-Match Reflections
Giovanni Manna, Napoli’s sporting director, reflected on the team’s strategy moving forward. He emphasized the importance of integrating young talents while addressing the challenges posed by injuries in the current season. Napoli remains focused on advancing further in the Coppa Italia.
Como’s remarkable performance is a testament to their resilience, and their achievement will be remembered as a historic turning point. Fans anticipate their next challenge as they aim to continue this triumphant journey in the Coppa Italia.
