Cesc Fabregas has spent €400m on Como since 2023 and the Italian papers have decided that makes the Serie A newcomers contenders for the title. La Gazzetta dello Sport calls it the "Eurocomo" and frames Saturday's meeting with Inter as a genuine test of ambition, even if the headline concedes the champions "don't tremble". Corriere dello Sport goes further, asking directly whether Fabregas' side are ready to challenge for the Scudetto.
The numbers are real. Como have spent heavily across three transfer windows since Fabregas took charge, assembling a squad that now looks nothing like a typical promoted side. The club have tied down Diao, described as a "treasure" in the transfer market, and the spending shows no sign of stopping. Forward Douvikas is keeping his feet on the ground. "Us for the title? The rivals are many," he said.
Inter, for their part, have other concerns. Chivu will lead the defence against Udinese on Monday, stepping in for the absent Dimarco, who is moving towards a return. The champions have the depth to absorb those losses, which is precisely why the papers frame Como's challenge as ambitious rather than realistic.
The bigger fixture on Saturday is Lazio against Milan at 18:00 CET, a game that pits two unbeaten sides against each other with top spot in Serie A at stake. Gennaro Gattuso's Lazio are chasing a fourth consecutive win and the manager has received public backing from Sporting's Rúben Amorim. "A legend," Amorim said of Gattuso, adding that Cissé is "worthy of the national team". Milan arrive with their own momentum and the knowledge that a win puts them clear at the summit.
Napoli's situation is more fraught. Max Allegri is under serious pressure after three consecutive league defeats, and Corriere dello Sport's front page is blunt: "Max crucified". Napoli are down, without market reinforcements, with multiple absentees and an obligation to win. The manager must beat Bologna to silence the controversies building around the club. Alisson is out, and Allegri needs to recover Lang and Anguissa for tomorrow's match.
The criticism has been building for weeks. Three straight losses have fuelled the noise, and the squad's limitations have been exposed without key players. Allegri's response has been to lean on Kolo Muani, who starts against Sassuolo, with Woltemade on the bench. Spalletti is staying with the Frenchman, trusting him to deliver the goals Napoli desperately need.
Woltemade is not hiding his frustration. The German forward has been speaking about his situation and made clear he believes he can contribute. "In place of Kolo or behind him," he said of his preferred role. He also addressed comparisons made by Spalletti, who likened him to a Friesian horse. "I don't know that horse, but I trust him. He has an enormous aura," Woltemade said. "Tonali told me, 'Well done, class choice.' Me, like Ibra? Thanks, Buffon. In Stuttgart, I won the Cup of Germany and scored 17 goals, and I hope to repeat myself."
Sarr is available for selection, while Adzic has a message for his former club. "Juve, I'll score and beat you," he said ahead of a meeting with the Turin side.
Elsewhere, Fiorentina have found their spark. Mastantuono scored a hat-trick, a "magic tris" that ended the Viola's scoring drought and got their season moving again after a difficult run. The young Argentine has been the bright spot in a side that had struggled to convert chances. Mandragora, meanwhile, has rejected four approaches from Torino, according to the papers, confirming his commitment to Fiorentina despite interest from the Turin club.
Juve's Nico is described as "incredible" in today's papers, with everything changed at the club and renewal talks now the priority. The forward's form has made him indispensable, and the board is ready to open negotiations.
Napoli's immediate task is simpler to state than to achieve: beat Bologna and stop the slide. Allegri has to find a way to win without Alisson, with Lang and Anguissa doubtful and the fans restless.
According to Yahoo Sports.