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<p>Expert Analysis from Italy</p>
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<p>From the serene shores of Lake Como to the competitive landscape of Serie A, the ascent of Como 1907 has been as striking as it is impressive. Once trapped in the lower divisions of Italian football, this historic club now embarks on its second consecutive season in the top tier, currently performing exceptionally well. With former Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas at the helm, Como sits sixth in the Serie A standings after defeating Juventus 2-0 last weekend. Supported by ambitious ownership and a clear football philosophy, Como is making headlines not only for its beautiful location but also for its serious aspirations to ascend in Italian football.</p>
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<p>Under Fàbregas’s guidance, the team has adopted a modern, possession-based approach that secured them a 10th-place finish last season, marking their first stint in the top flight since 2003 and their best position in Serie A since the 1980s. However, Como's ambitions extend beyond just maintaining their status. This summer proved to be a pivotal period, with significant transfers aimed at reinforcing the squad while adhering to the playing style that brought them success. With insights from our experts in Italy, <em>Transfermarkt</em> delves into the club's evolution, its summer transfer strategy, and how Fàbregas is establishing himself as one of football's promising young managers.</p>
<h2>What fuels Como's ascent, and can they compete with Serie A's elite?</h2>
<p>It’s important to note that while heavy spending isn't the sole factor for success, Como's recent rise isn’t solely a fairy tale; the club has invested significantly. The accompanying graphic indicates only four Serie A clubs exceeded Como's summer spending, with Como recording the highest net expenditure. Stefano Buonfino, a Content Manager for <em>Transfermarkt</em> in Italy, elaborates on Como's achievements: "Considering the investments made over the summer, Como's success doesn't surprise me. Nevertheless, they are excelling with a very young and talented roster."</p>
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<p>Creating an environment where players feel free to express themselves without the fear of failure has also played a crucial role in Como's progress. Buonfino adds, "Patience is essential; they haven’t pressured the coach or young players and have allowed them to develop peacefully." Currently, Como has accumulated 12 points from their first seven league matches, trailing league leaders AC Milan by just four points. However, can they pose a genuine challenge to Italy's football powerhouses? Buonfino seems skeptical, stating, "I don’t think so. The president himself admitted that climbing to the top will be challenging. Como is a small city, and they need something extra, like the celebrity allure of Lake Como, to attract players. But that's not sufficient. They face financial constraints due to limited income and FFP regulations."</p>
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<p>One of Como's noteworthy signings is young talent Nico Paz. Acquired from Real Madrid for a mere €6 million in 2024, Paz has showcased immense potential. However, Los Blancos hold a buy-back clause on him. This summer, Madrid opted not to invoke an €8 million buy-back option, but they retain a €9 million clause for 2026 and €10 million for 2027. Madrid believes in Paz’s potential yet understands that he requires time to mature, and they can match any offer from other clubs at any moment. Buonfino expresses his excitement, "In many cases with talented players, we need to exercise patience, but I can't help but feel that with Nico Paz, he is already good enough to play for Real Madrid, which seems to be his destined club. In seven games, he has contributed four goals and four assists, with eight of Como’s nine goals involving Paz. He’s not just Como’s top player; he ranks among the top 10 players in Serie A."</p>
<h2>What is the caliber of manager Cesc Fàbregas?</h2>
<p>Fàbregas officially took over as Como's manager at the beginning of last season following their promotion. He had previously been involved with the club as a player and assistant coach, albeit not officially in charge during the promotion campaign due to lacking the necessary qualifications at that time. He has made a significant impact since then. Over the summer, he was linked to several prestigious clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan, but turned down all offers. In a recent press conference, Fàbregas stated, "I am very happy here and have felt that way since day one. I’ve made that clear to the club, as I’m a very honest person."</p>
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<p>Nevertheless, if Como enjoys another fruitful season, it’s likely that more clubs will come calling for him next summer. Buonfino offers further insight into the promising young coach: "Fàbregas is a young manager with a clear vision. As a partner at Como, he’s not just a coach; he also enjoys the advantage of being in a club that embraced him and waited for him."</p>
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<p>"He promotes an attacking style of play with well-defined patterns, emphasizing the buildup and creativity of his attackers rather than rapid counterattacks. His team seldom relinquishes possession and always attempts to progress the ball and generate impactful plays." While Fàbregas is currently committed to Como, continuing his impressive trajectory could soon open doors at one of Europe’s elite clubs. When asked if he sees Fàbregas landing a major role in the future, Buonfino confidently replied, "Absolutely. He was pursued by Inter last summer but chose to remain with the Como project for the time being. It’s likely that top clubs will come for him." Given the trajectory, Fàbregas will surely be a name in discussion for any high-profile coaching vacancies this season, but for now, his focus remains on sustaining Como's upward trend.
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