Napoli Hit Six as Como Hold Arsenal in Final Warm-Ups

Two contrasting scorelines offered encouraging pre-season results for Serie A sides. Napoli beat Aris Thessaloniki 6-2 in Castel di Sangro, while Como drew 1-1 with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium before Arsenal won the penalty shoot-out 4-3.

Friendly matches provide an opportunity for teams to prepare before competitive football returns.

Napoli concluded their summer training camp with their final preparation match before the Serie A opener against Genoa on August 22, while Como tested themselves in London against Arsenal.

Napoli’s 6-2 win over Aris

Napoli produced six goals in their final pre-season friendly against Aris Thessaloniki.

The match ended 6-2, with the Italian side closing their summer camp in Castel di Sangro with a decisive victory.

The scoreline reflected a productive attacking display, although the result came in a friendly setting rather than a competitive fixture.

Pre-season matches allow for changes and experimentation, so the performance is best viewed as part of Napoli’s preparation for the season ahead.

What the Napoli result offers

A six-goal victory gives Napoli a positive result to take into their final preparations before facing Genoa on August 22.

The match also underlined the value of a final warm-up fixture after the summer training camp.

At the same time, the result does not settle how Napoli will perform when Serie A points are at stake.

Friendly football has a different context from league competition, but the 6-2 win gives the side a strong final result from its pre-season schedule.

Como draw with Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas returned to London as Como head coach, having played for both Arsenal and Chelsea during his career.

Nico Paz was in the stands after returning ahead of schedule from his vacation following Argentina’s World Cup campaign, while Yan Couto and Mattia Liberali started for Como.

Arsenal took the lead in the 33rd minute after Jean Butez’s misplaced kick hit Myles Lewis-Skelly, who combined with Gabriel Martinelli before the ball was turned into an empty net.

Como equalised in the 43rd minute when Martin Baturina cut inside from the left, moved between Max Dowman and Theo Julienne, and struck into the near top corner.

Trevoh Chalobah came on for his Como debut after completing his transfer from Chelsea.

Arsenal had late efforts through Fabio Vieira, Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke, while Kai Havertz had a stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside.

The match went to penalties after the 1-1 draw.

David Raya saved spot-kicks from Ivan Smolcic and Alvaro Morata, while Madueke hit the upright, as Arsenal won the shoot-out 4-3.

What the Arsenal draw means for Como

Como left the Emirates with a draw after 90 minutes against the Premier League champions.

The match gave the club an opportunity to use Yan Couto, Mattia Liberali and Chalobah in a high-profile pre-season fixture.

Baturina’s equaliser ensured that Como responded after Arsenal’s opening goal, and the side remained level through the end of normal time.

The penalty shoot-out decided the friendly, but the 1-1 result after 90 minutes stood as a positive outcome from the visit to London.

What happens next

Napoli will now turn to their Serie A opener against Genoa on August 22 following the 6-2 win over Aris.

Como’s draw with Arsenal completed another pre-season test as the club continues its preparations for the new Serie A campaign.

Neither friendly result decides how the season will unfold, but Napoli’s emphatic win and Como’s draw in London each provided useful preparation ahead of competitive action.