Key Takeaways
- Antonio Conte believes Cesc Fabregas will become an elite manager when Napoli visit Como on Sunday.
- The match result could hand Inter Milan the Serie A title if Napoli lose and AC Milan drop points.
- Napoli are desperate to secure second place and automatic Champions League qualification.
Antonio Conte has backed his former Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas to reach the very top of football management. The Napoli boss spoke ahead of Sunday’s trip to face Como in Serie A.
The match starts at 17:00 UK time at the Stadio Sinigaglia. It brings together two coaches who worked together during their time at Stamford Bridge.
Conte expects plenty of attacking football. “Both teams will play for the win. Nobody wants a draw,” he told DAZN Italia. “This will be an exciting spectacle with both sides taking risks.”
The Italian manager paid tribute to Fabregas. The Spaniard now manages Como after ending his playing career. Conte said his former midfielder was always going to succeed on the touchline.
“Cesc was born to be a great coach,” Conte explained. “He played for massive clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea. He learned from the best managers in the world. He studies the game very carefully.”
Como have caused problems for big teams this season. They knocked Napoli out of the Coppa Italia in February on penalties. The Partenopei have not beaten Como since October 2024.
The title race hangs in the balance. If Napoli lose and AC Milan fail to beat Sassuolo on Monday, Inter Milan will win the Scudetto without playing.
Napoli now focus on finishing second. This would guarantee Champions League football next season. Como sit just eight points behind Napoli in fifth place, level with AS Roma.
“We press high and create chances. Como play the same way,” Conte said. “Both teams are well organised. We try to attack rather than defend. Both managers want to control the game.”
Conte also gave an update on Giovanni Di Lorenzo. The defender returns after missing matches. He played 200 games in a row before his injury.
“Di Lorenzo is crucial for our team,” Conte added. “He brings leadership on and off the pitch. However, he needs time to get fit again. He only trained with us this week after many months out. We must be patient with him.”