6 days ago
6
Busy summer window
©TM/IMAGO
From the tranquil shores of Lake Como to the unforgiving battleground of Serie A, Como 1907’s rise has been as picturesque as it has been incredible. Once languishing in the lower tiers of Italian football, the historic club now finds itself preparing for a second consecutive season in the Italian top flight - led by none other than former Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas. Backed by ambitious ownership and driven by a clear footballing identity, Como have made waves not just for their scenic setting, but for their serious intent in climbing the ladder of Italian football.
Under Fàbregas, the club has embraced a modern, possession-based style, earning a 10th place finish in Serie A last term. It was their first season in the top-flight since 2003, and their best Serie A league position since the 1980s. But the club's ambition doesn't stop there. It's been a busy summer transfer window to date. High-profile reinforcements have already begun to arrive, as Como look to strengthen key areas while staying true to the footballing philosophy that got them this far. As anticipation builds around Como, with expert insight from our team in Italy, Transfermarkt takes a closer look at the club’s recent evolution, their summer recruitment strategy, and how Fàbregas could shape his starting XI for the season ahead.
Can Como challenge the Serie A elite?
It's already been some rise for Como, going from Serie D to Serie A in just seven seasons, but they're not ready to stop. Aniello Luciano is one of Transfermarkt's Content Managers in Italy, and explains more about the aspirations at Como: "Como's project is ambitious but solid. They proceed step-by-step, without forcing it. This is why I believe it is still premature to talk about European football. The possibility of doing better than last season certainly exists, but even in the event of a flop by a big team, it will will be difficult. The transfer market is also long and unpredictable and Como themselves still needs to improve the squad further." So far the club have already announced nine signings for a fee, spending a total of €101.5 million - Juventus (€105.3m) are the only team that have spent more in the division.
"Last season they already proved they could beat the big teams in one-off games," Luciano continued. "They defeated Napoli, Roma and Atalanta and played great against AC Milan and Juventus. However, competing over the season is a different matter. It is necessary to have a deep squad, adequate alternatives, and a bit of experience - knowing how to manage the difficulties of a league like Serie A." Nevertheless, manager Fàbregas will no doubt have high hopes for his team, and a shock European qualification shouldn't be ruled out with the Spaniard at the helm.
How good is manager Cesc Fàbregas?
Fàbregas took the reigns as Como manager at the start of last season after their promotion, having previously been involved in the club as a player, and certainly impressed. Already this summer he has been linked with a number of big clubs including Bayer Leverkusen. "Fabregas has shown that he has modern ideas and is certainly a coach with a great future," reveals Luciano. "Above all because he knows how to combine the typical possession of Spanish football with the discipline of Italian football, playing with courage." Speaking in a recent press conference, Fàbregas himself said, "I am very happy here and have been from the first day, I always told the club that and I am a very sincere person." However, if Como can have another successful campaign, other clubs will no doubt come sniffing for him again next season.
How could Como line up next season?
As aforementioned, it's already been a busy transfer window for Como. They have bought in many exciting players, including Jesús Rodriguez from Real Betis and Nicolas Kühn from Celtic. "There is no richer president than Mirwan Suwarso in Italian football," reveals Luciano. The money is also being spent wisely as Luciano alluded to: "In the first year of Serie A he gave the opportunity to make it clear how large his financial resources were. However, compared to some other tycoons, he has an overall vision that does not burn the entire budget on a top player or a first-rate profile. It is a process that follows a precise model: scouting, players who can be improved, and who are flexible, quick, and can play with intensity. There is a desire to amaze but with foresight."
As well as a plethora of new signings they have managed to hang on to one of their key players in Nico Paz, with former club Real Madrid choosing not to exercise their buy-back clause this summer. "In my opinion, Paz is Como's best player because he gives that unpredictability to the team's already developed attacking game. He also has the personality and physicality to become a complete attacking midfielder, as Fabregas himself stated. Looking at the new arrivals, I'm also curious to see Martin Baturina at work and how the Spanish coach will be able to integrate him with Paz.'
