Como have secured a historic place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals for just the second time in their history—and for the first time in 40 years—after defeating Napoli on penalties at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Napoli boss Antonio Conte, fresh off his 400th career managerial win at the weekend, had hoped to make it 401 but was left frustrated by his side’s lacklustre first-half display.

The home side struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, with their best chance coming on the 15-minute mark when Stanislav Lobotka’s effort was comfortably collected by Jean Butez.

Como gradually grew into the game, taking control from around the half-hour mark. Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone probed the Napoli defence with half-chances, before Ivan Smolcic’s attempt at the back post lacked the connection needed.

The breakthrough came following a lengthy VAR review, which determined that Smolcic had been fouled by Mathias Olivera, awarding Como a penalty. Martin Baturina stepped up and calmly slotted his spot-kick into the bottom-left corner to give the visitors the lead.

Napoli responded instantly after the restart, drawing level just 43 seconds into the second half. Rasmus Hojlund’s flick-on set Antonio Vergara through, and the forward displayed perfect composure to beat Butez and make it 1-1.

Como pushed to regain the advantage and came close just before the hour mark. Jayden Addai broke through on goal but, after being forced wide, his angled shot was well saved by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

The remainder of regular time saw both defences dominate, with few meaningful chances created, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the tie.

Como struck first in the shootout, converting their opening two penalties. Romelu Lukaku then missed for Napoli, giving the visitors the upper hand, but Maximo Perrone was denied by Milinkovic-Savic in sudden death.

Marc-Oliver Kempf finally netted to make it 7-6, before Butez saved Lobotka’s spot-kick to seal Como’s place in the semi-finals.

Conte will be left frustrated, with Napoli now having only the Serie A title to play for after exiting two cup competitions in just two weeks.