Como’s return to Serie A has proved to be a triumphant affair after a two-decade absence. Under the stewardship of manager Cesc Fabregas, the club has secured its place in the league with four matches still remaining, and the manner in which the former Arsenal and Barcelona star delivered this survival has ignited optimism for the future.
In my earlier reflections on Como’s re-entry into Italy’s top tier at the season’s outset, I posited that their chances of remaining in the league hinged on the performance of their seasoned signings.
Initially, players like Raphael Varane, Andrea Belotti, Patrick Cutrone, Alberto Moreno, and Pepe Reina looked poised to make significant contributions towards ensuring the team’s survival in one of Europe’s most formidable championships.
While I misjudged that aspect, it seems even Fabregas could not have anticipated that youth would play a pivotal role in Como’s Serie A survival.
As of last weekend, Como can officially breathe a sigh of relief as they have confirmed their safety from relegation thanks to four consecutive victories that propelled them to 11th place in the standings. The focus has shifted upwards, with hopes of finishing in the top ten—an extraordinary feat for a newly promoted club.
This squad is not merely a collection of players fighting to avoid relegation.
However, Como’s journey back to Serie A has included its fair share of obstacles that deserve recounting.
Como’s rocky initiation into Serie A
The challenge became apparent for Fabregas after the team failed to secure a win in their opening four Serie A matches. Transitioning from the second tier to the top division is a stark contrast, often leaving unprepared teams vulnerable to immediate relegation.
The departure of a player with Varane’s experience right at the season’s outset added to Fabregas’s hurdles, as the former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender opted to retire following a long-term injury.
Survival quickly emerged as the primary aim.
Despite managing only two wins by mid-December, the silver lining for Fabregas was that his team rarely suffered heavy losses, racking up six draws in that period. The pressing concern remained how to convert those draws into wins to ensure they remained in the league, particularly with the squad’s goal-scoring ability under scrutiny.
Cutrone had started the season as the main striker, and his five goals from the first eight games appeared promising, even if Como secured victory in only one of those matches. However, as the club struggled for form, Cutrone’s goal contributions also dwindled.
His early-season success proved to be short-lived, leading Fabregas to bench him in three out of the last four fixtures.
Cutrone’s predicament mirrors that of several higher-profile players in Como’s ranks who have experienced varying degrees of struggle throughout the season.
Despite significant outlays on player transfers, Fabregas expressed discontent regarding his squad as the January window approached, as several high-profile signings showed signs of decline.
With Belotti moving on loan to Benfica until summer, Varane’s retirement, and Moreno, Cutrone, and Reina battling inconsistencies, it became necessary to inject fresh talent into the squad.
Fabregas makes bold moves in January
Despite ending 2024 on a high following two home victories, Como found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle as the new year approached and needed momentum to salvage the remainder of their season.
Worrying for the club’s future, Fabregas—who had acknowledged his role in shaping Como’s transfer strategy—turned to the January transfer window. The team made significant investments to acquire midfielder Maxence Caqueret from Lyon for a club record fee, winger Assane Diao from Real Betis, and striker Anastasios Douvikas from Celta Vigo.
While those three were the standout signings, Fabregas also successfully secured four additional permanent transfers and two loan deals in a remarkably productive window.
These additions significantly altered the trajectory of Como’s season.
Key performers have included Caqueret, who has established himself as a regular in Fabregas’s midfield and has already provided three assists, justifying his hefty €15m price tag. Full-back Valle, on loan from Barcelona, has also impressed Fabregas, who, according to Fabrizio Romano, intends to trigger Valle’s release clause to secure him permanently in the summer.
No other January recruit has made as profound an impact as Diao, however. The Senegalese winger has been a revelation for Como, having struggled to find game time at Real Betis.
In 16 Serie A appearances, Diao has netted eight goals and provided one assist in a sensational start to his time in Italy.
The 19-year-old possesses lethal pace on the counterattack, exceptional ball control, and remarkable composure when finishing. Diao has developed a formidable partnership with Argentine sensation Nico Paz, and together, they have set Serie A alight.
A prime illustration was Como’s recent 3-0 victory over Lecce, where Paz delivered an inch-perfect pass to Diao, who executed a perfectly-timed run and scored effortlessly. Diao capped off the perfect afternoon with another goal from outside the box during stoppage time.
The only other significant arrival was free agent Dele Alli, who signed an 18-month deal. However, his first appearance was marred by a dire performance, culminating in a red card just ten minutes into his long-awaited return to professional football after a two-year absence.
Yet, if the revered Premier League veteran Fabregas can reignite Alli’s career, which once looked destined for greatness, it would underscore his brilliance and a gamble that could pay off.
Before January, players had already begun adapting to Fabregas’s tactical framework, characterised by a robust defensive setup coupled with disciplined build-up play, focusing on central progression.
The January signings have amplified the efficacy of his system, with Diao embodying the ideal attacking option for Fabregas, characterised by his incisive runs through the heart of the opposition.
As a result, Como have cleared the relegation threat, rising to 11th in the standings following a remarkable second half of the season. With safety secured, Fabregas can now shift his focus towards an exciting future.
Exciting prospects ahead
Como’s encouraging return to Serie A has featured victories against powerhouses such as Roma, Fiorentina, and Napoli, providing ample reasons for optimism as they look to the upcoming season.
While retaining emerging stars like Diao and Paz may prove challenging, Como’s financial backing allows them, unlike many Serie A clubs, to reject enticing offers.
Regardless, the club has demonstrated astute talent identification with recent additions, suggesting they would replenish any departures wisely.
With Fabregas committed to staying at Como despite interest from larger clubs, the young manager can build upon the successes of this season in the 2025/26 campaign.
This time around, Como will be prepared and aware of the challenges awaiting them from the outset of the next season.
Thus, if Fabregas can continue constructing a balanced team that melds youth, ambition, and experience, he will undoubtedly pave the way for further success.
Whatever unfolds, fans of Como, who have eagerly awaited over two decades to support their team in Italy’s top division again, can relish another season competing against some of the world’s finest talents.
Above all, they owe a great deal to Fabregas, whose managerial acumen is beginning to match his legendary playing career.
Should he reach even a fraction of his playing prowess in coaching, he will undoubtedly become one of the game’s elite managers. While it may seem improbable that Como will retain Fabregas through his most formative coaching years, his influence promises at least another season of exciting football.
Whatever the long-term scenario, Fabregas remains the driving force behind Como’s renewed hope, crafting a path filled with thrilling prospects.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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