Fabregas’ Como Developing into Serie A’s Surprise Package This Season
Whisper it quietly, but Fabregas’ Como is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about stories in Serie A this season. The unheralded club from Lombardy, long considered outsiders in Italy’s top flight, has caught the eye of football fans and pundits alike. Under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal and Barcelona maestro turned manager, Como has seen an inspiring transformation that blends smart recruitment with tactical discipline. Their impressive performances have not only revived hope among supporters but also disrupted the established hierarchy in Italy’s fiercely competitive Serie A.
The Surprise When Fabregas Landed at Como
The arrival of Cesc Fabregas at Como was in itself a surprise. After a glittering playing career curtailed by injury concerns during his time at Monaco, few expected Fabregas to continue his journey at a Serie B club. Yet, the Spaniard’s decision to sign for Como revealed his commitment to the game beyond just playing.
Just a year after putting pen to paper as a player, Fabregas announced his retirement and immediately pivoted to coaching. Taking charge initially of the club’s U19 and B teams, he quickly earned his UEFA ‘A’ coaching licence. By the start of the 2024/25 season, with Como having secured promotion to Serie A, Fabregas was entrusted with the senior squad. The results were encouraging: a 10th place finish was their best top-flight result since 1987, when they finished ninth. This progress made it clear Fabregas was more than just a figurehead; he was an emerging tactical mind capable of leading a squad to compete at the highest level.
Como’s Rise Under Fabregas: Defeating Juventus Sends Shockwaves
Fabregas’ Como’s rise reached a pivotal moment during the 2025/26 campaign in week seven, when they hosted Juventus, one of Serie A’s most storied clubs. In a stunning upset, Como defeated the “Old Lady” 2-0 thanks to goals from Marc-Oliver Kempf and the young and exciting striker Nico Paz.
This victory sent shockwaves through the league, signaling that Como was no longer just a survival candidate. They began to be seen as genuine competitors capable of upsetting the traditional powerhouses of Italian football. More impressively, Como followed up this major scalp with a series of strong results, showing resilience and tactical maturity that stands out in the league.
The Foundations of Como’s Remarkable Journey
Como’s transformation under Fabregas didn’t happen overnight. Their story traces back to 2019 when Indonesian billionaire brothers Robert and Michael Hartono acquired the club. At the time, Como was languishing in Serie D, the fourth tier of Italian football, struggling for relevance and financial stability.
The new ownership group quickly invested in the club’s infrastructure while maintaining a long-term vision built around sustainable growth. The Hartono brothers saw the potential in Como’s rich heritage and its unique location. Situated on the shores of the stunning Lake Como and centered around the historic Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, the club had natural charms, but needed strategic direction to translate this into football success.
By focusing on smart recruitment, youth development, and innovative coaching, Como began climbing the divisions, culminating in their promotion to Serie A. Fabregas’ arrival fortified this trajectory, blending international experience with local ambition.
What Makes Fabregas’ Como Stand Out?
Several factors set Fabregas’ Como apart this season. Firstly, the recruitment strategy has been exceptional. The club has struck a balance between nurturing young talents like Nico Paz and bringing in experienced players like Kempf, creating a well-rounded squad.
Secondly, the playing style demands attention. Fabregas has imbued the team with a fluid attacking approach complemented by a disciplined defensive setup. This adaptability has helped Como secure points even against teams with greater individual quality.
Moreover, Fabregas’ leadership style, drawing on his vast experience at the highest levels of the game, has earned the respect of his squad. His ability to nurture young players and instill confidence has been a key driver behind Como’s performances.
Looking Ahead: Can Como Sustain Their Rise?
The question on everyone’s lips is whether Como can maintain their momentum. Sustaining success in Serie A is notoriously difficult, particularly for clubs with limited resources compared to the league’s giants. However, the combination of fresh ownership, smart management, and Fabregas’ growing acumen offers optimism.
With the club’s best-ever top-flight showing already under their belt and the ability to claim impressive wins, Como has established themselves as genuine contenders for a solid mid-table finish if not more. Their journey is a testament to the power of vision, commitment, and expertise.
Conclusion
Fabregas’ Como represents an inspiring new chapter in Serie A, underlining how football is as much about belief and strategy as it is about budgets and history. From an obscure fourth-tier club to a Serie A force, the story is still being written. But one thing is clear: this surprise package from Lombardy is proving that, sometimes, the most unexpected stories are the most rewarding to follow. Fans should keep their eyes on Como, a team that might just redefine what success looks like in Italy’s top football league.
