Exciting Summer Ahead
From the serene shores of Lake Como to the intense competition in Serie A, Como 1907’s journey has been as beautiful as it is remarkable. Having once struggled in the lower divisions of Italian football, this historic club is now gearing up for its second consecutive season in the top tier, guided by the talents of former Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas. With a visionary ownership and a defined playing philosophy, Como has captivated attention not just for its stunning backdrop, but also for its ambitious quest to ascend the ranks of Italian football.
Under Fàbregas’ leadership, Como has adopted a modern, possession-oriented style, achieving a commendable 10th place finish in Serie A last season. This marked their first season in the top flight since 2003 and their highest league position since the 1980s. Yet, their aspirations extend beyond this success. The summer transfer window has been bustling, with several high-profile players arriving as the club looks to bolster essential positions while remaining true to the playing style that brought them this far. With insights from our experts in Italy, Transfermarkt takes an in-depth look at Como’s growth, their recruitment strategies, and how Fàbregas may construct his squad for the upcoming season.
Can Como Compete with Serie A’s Best?
Como’s rapid ascent, moving from Serie D to Serie A in just seven seasons, shows no signs of slowing down. Aniello Luciano, a Content Manager at Transfermarkt in Italy, shared insights on the club’s ambitions: “Como’s project is both ambitious and solid. They are progressing methodically, which is why I think it’s still too early to talk about European competition. While there’s a chance to improve on last season, competing against bigger clubs remains challenging. The transfer market is unpredictable, and Como still needs to enhance their squad.” To date, the club has completed nine signings for a total expenditure of €101.5 million—only Juventus has spent more in the league with €105.3 million.
“Last season they demonstrated they could claim victories against top teams,” Luciano continued. “They triumphed over Napoli, Roma, and Atalanta and performed admirably against AC Milan and Juventus. However, maintaining competitiveness throughout the season requires a deeper squad, suitable alternatives, and sufficient experience to navigate the challenges of Serie A.” Nonetheless, under Fàbregas, hopes will be high for further success, with a surprise qualification for European competition not to be dismissed.
How Effective is Manager Cesc Fàbregas?
Cesc Fàbregas took over as Como’s manager at the beginning of last season, following their promotion, and has made a strong impression after previously playing for the club. This summer, he has been linked with several prestigious clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen. “Fàbregas has shown he possesses modern coaching ideas and has a promising future,” Luciano stated. “He skillfully blends the possession style typical of Spanish football with the tactical discipline of Italian football.” In a recent press conference, Fàbregas expressed his satisfaction with his current role, stating, “I am very content here and have felt that way from day one; I’m a very genuine person.” However, should Como enjoy another successful season, it’s likely other clubs will soon come calling.
Potential Line-up for the Upcoming Season
This summer has already seen Como bustling with activity in the transfer market, bringing in several exciting talents, such as Jesús Rodriguez from Real Betis and Nicolas Kühn from Celtic. “There is no wealthier president in Italian football than Mirwan Suwarso,” Luciano noted. The funds are being allocated wisely, maintaining an overall vision while avoiding overspending on high-profile players. “In their first Serie A season, he demonstrated the extent of his financial resources. However, unlike other tycoons, he follows a structured approach: scouting for players who can be developed—players that are flexible, quick, and capable of playing with intensity. There is an eagerness to astonish while maintaining foresight,” he explained.
Notably, alongside the influx of new signings, Como has succeeded in retaining key player Nico Paz, as Real Madrid opted not to invoke their buy-back clause this summer. “In my view, Paz is Como’s standout player, providing a crucial element of unpredictability to the team’s expanding attacking strategy. He possesses the personality and physical attributes needed to become a complete attacking midfielder, as Fàbregas himself has commented. Among the new additions, I am also eager to see how Martin Baturina integrates with Paz under the guidance of the Spanish coach.”
