Conte: ‘Fabregas destined for greatness, Como and Napoli positive teams’ | OneFootball

Antonio Conte says his former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was ‘destined for greatness’ as a coach at Como, warning Napoli will engage in ‘an open game.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, argues with referee Giovanni Ayroldi during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli were knocked out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final by Como in a penalty shoot-out in February, and haven’t beaten them since a 3-1 home result in October 2024.

It is also a reunion with Conte’s former Chelsea midfielder Fabregas, who is now flourishing on the touchline.

Conte impressed with Fabregas career path

COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Neither of the two teams will certainly try to play for the draw, so I expect an open game,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“I am happy for Cesc, because he was always destined for greatness, and was fortunate during his career to play for teams like Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, working for top coaches over the years. He is a great coach because he studies carefully.

“Como are improving decisively year on year, causing real problems for the big clubs in Serie A, and will certainly keep growing.”

The Scudetto dream has sailed, as if Napoli lose here and Milan fail to get the better of Sassuolo tomorrow, then Inter will be mathematically crowned Champions of Italy without setting foot on the pitch.

Their focus now has to be on locking down second place, because Como are just eight points behind them in joint fifth with Roma, but a victory here would mathematically lock down Champions League qualification.

“We try to press high, create problems for our opponents, and Como are similar. These are two super organised teams who try to be pro-active and not passive, so both will try to take the initiative.”

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 24: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Cremonese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Giovanni Di Lorenzo returns to the squad for the first time since a knee ligament injury three months ago, so only David Neres, Antonio Vergara and Romelu Lukaku are still out of action.

“Di Lorenzo had around 200 consecutive games, so he is a fundamental figure for us, both for his leadership, but also the attitude he brings on and off the field. He needs time to recover after so many months on the shelf, he only just started training with us this week, so it will take patience to get him back to full fitness,” concluded Conte.