Having steered Como to safety, Fabregas can now focus on an exciting future ahead.

Como’s return to Serie A has been nothing short of triumphant after a two-decade hiatus. Under the management of Cesc Fabregas, the club has secured its safety with four matches remaining, instilling optimism for the future among its supporters.

At the start of this season, I speculated on Como’s chances of remaining in the top tier, emphasising the need for their experienced signings to perform. Key acquisitions like Raphael Varane, Andrea Belotti, Patrick Cutrone, Alberto Moreno, and Pepe Reina were expected to play pivotal roles in ensuring the club’s survival in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

While I misjudged the impact of these veterans, it seems even Fabregas underestimated how crucial the youth players would become to Como’s success.

As of last weekend, Como has officially avoided relegation, propelled by four consecutive victories that have seen them rise to 11th place. With their sights set above rather than down, there’s a credible shot at finishing in the top half, a remarkable feat for a newly promoted club.

This squad is not merely about evading relegation.

However, the journey back to Serie A has not been without its struggles, warranting a recount of their turbulent start.

Como’s rocky kickoff in Serie A

The inaugural four matches yielded no wins, revealing the true enormity of the challenge confronting Fabregas. The difference between Serie B and Serie A is stark, akin to switching from one world to another.

Failure to prepare adequately for this leap usually results in a swift return to the lower division; promotion can be ruthless.

Fabregas faced another setback when the experienced Varane, who had only recently joined, decided to retire following a season-long injury.

It became evident that survival was the primary goal.

Despite managing just two victories by mid-December, Como’s resilience was shown in their ability to avoid heavy defeats, accumulating six draws during this period. Nonetheless, the need for timely wins became apparent, and the source of those vital goals was unclear.

Cutrone had started brightly, netting five goals in his first eight outings, but as the team struggled, so did his form. A small resurgence at the year’s turn proved deceptive, leading to Fabregas sidelining him for three of the last four matches.

Cutrone’s tale mirrors that of several high-profile players at Como who have found themselves out of favour for various reasons throughout the season.

With substantial investments made over the summer, Fabregas had justification for his frustration as some marquee signings were underperforming. Varane’s departure, Belotti’s loan to Benfica, and the lack of form from Moreno, Cutrone, and Reina highlighted the need for fresh talent during the January window.

Fabregas makes big moves in January

Despite concluding 2024 with two home victories, Como found themselves in a relegation battle as the new year approached, necessitating a shift in their fortunes for the latter half of the campaign.

Worried about the club’s predicament, Fabregas, who has acknowledged his significant role in Como’s transfer strategy, entered the January window determined to make changes. The club invested heavily, acquiring midfielder Maxence Caqueret from Lyon for a club-record fee, winger Assane Diao from Real Betis, and striker Anastasios Douvikas from Celta Vigo.

These three were the headline signings, yet Fabregas also secured four additional permanent acquisitions and two loan players, making for a remarkably fruitful transfer period.

These new arrivals would significantly alter the trajectory of Como’s season.

Among the standout performers have been Caqueret and full-back Alex Valle, who joined on loan from Barcelona. Caqueret quickly established himself in the starting lineup, recording three assists and proving his €15m value. Valle has impressed Fabregas, with reports indicating that the coach plans to activate his release clause for a permanent transfer in the summer.

However, no signing has made quite the splash like Diao. The Senegalese winger, who had struggled for game time at Real Betis, has been a revelation for Como.

In just 16 Serie A appearances, Diao has netted eight goals and provided one assist, making for an outstanding start to his time in Italy.

His blistering speed, exceptional control, and maturity in front of goal make him a constant threat on the counter-attack. Diao has also struck up a formidable partnership with Argentine talent Nico Paz, with the duo electrifying Serie A.

This synergy was exemplified in Como’s recent 3-0 win against Lecce, where Paz delivered a pinpoint pass to Diao, setting him up for a clinical finish. Diao later added his second, a powerful shot from outside the box, sealing a flawless performance.

Another noteworthy addition was the signing of Dele Alli on an 18-month contract as a free agent. His only appearance thus far was a dismal showing, resulting in an early dismissal after just 10 minutes—his first professional match in two years.

Despite this rocky beginning, if the premier league icon Fabregas can salvage Alli’s career, which once appeared destined for stardom, it would undoubtedly be a brilliant move and an excellent risk.

Prior to January, improvements were visible as players began adapting to Fabregas’ tactical methodology, centred around a robust defensive framework and methodical build-up play predominantly down the centre of the pitch.

January’s acquisitions have bolstered the effectiveness of this strategy, with Diao emerging as the ideal threat for Fabregas through his incisive runs.

The reward has been evident, with Como rising into 11th place following a remarkable second half of the season that ensured their safety. Fabregas can now pivot his focus towards an exhilarating future.

A promising outlook

As Como’s impressive Serie A return unfolds, highlighted by victories over elite teams such as Roma, Fiorentina, and Napoli, optimism for the upcoming season abounds.

While retaining burgeoning talents Diao and Paz will be a daunting task, Como, unlike many of their Serie A counterparts, possess a financial robustness that allows them to decline substantial offers.

Regardless, the club’s recent successful signings reveal a keen eye for talent, suggesting they will adeptly fill any gaps left by departing players.

With Fabregas poised to remain at Como despite interest from prominent clubs both domestically and internationally, he has the opportunity to build on this season’s foundation going into the 2025/26 campaign.

Unlike this season, Como will be prepared and ready for what lies ahead as they commence the next season.

If Fabregas continues to assemble a squad that balances youth and experience effectively, more positive developments are likely to follow.

For the dedicated fans of Como, who endured over 20 years to watch their team reclaim a spot in the elite tier of Italian football, the prospect of another season against some of the world’s best players is an exhilarating reality.

Much of that credit goes to Fabregas—the Spanish maestro is proving to be a manager with the potential to rival his illustrious playing career.

Should he reach even a fraction of the heights he achieved as a player, he could emerge as one of the premier coaches globally. While it may seem improbable that Como will retain Fabregas during his peak coaching years, they are set to enjoy his managerial prowess for at least one more season.

No matter the outcome in the long run, Fabregas will always be remembered as the architect who reignited hope for Como, paving the way for an exciting future.