Cesc Fabregas Guides Como to First Serie A Home Win in 21 Years

When Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder turned manager, steered Como 1907 to a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Hellas Verona, the win instantly became a milestone: it was the club’s first Serie A home triumph in more than two decades. The match, played on 26 October 2024 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Lombardy, marked the culmination of a season that has seen the newly‑promoted side punch far above its weight.

Background: Como’s Return to Italy’s Top Flight

Founded in 1907, Como spent most of the last 30 years bouncing between Serie B and the lower regional leagues. Their promotion to the Serie A 2024-25 season was secured in May 2024, ending a 21‑year exile from Italy’s elite division. The city of Como in northern Italy has a modest fan base, but the club’s recent resurgence ignited a wave of local pride.

Fabregas’ Managerial Journey and Early Challenges

After hanging up his boots on 1 July 2023, Fabregas shifted from player to coach within the same organization, first serving as an assistant before being appointed permanent manager on 11 August 2024. His debut was a 1‑1 draw against Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia, a match that went to penalties. Eight days later, his first league outing ended in a 3‑0 loss at Juventus, a humbling start that made the subsequent turnaround all the more striking.

Key Victories: Atalanta, Genoa, and the Historic Verona Win

The turning point arrived on matchday five when Como travelled to face Europa League champions Atalanta. A spirited 3‑2 comeback secured Fabregas’ first league win and sparked a six‑match unbeaten run. The streak included a 1‑0 home win over Genoa, a 1‑0 victory away at Parma, and a 3‑1 triumph against Cagliari. Each result underscored Fabregas’ tactical flexibility—often shifting between a compact 4‑4‑2 and an attacking 4‑3‑3 depending on the opponent.

The climax arrived against Hellas Verona. After falling behind early, Como fought back with goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini, João Pedro, and a late header by Matteo Gabbia. The win not only broke the 21‑year home drought but also confirmed a respectable 10th‑place finish—its best league performance since the 1987 campaign.

Impact on the Table and Future Aspirations

At the season’s midway point, Como sat 14th, just three points shy of sixth‑placed AC Milan. Their surge has forced a rethink among traditional mid‑table clubs, many of whom now view Como as a genuine threat to European qualification.

• Points after 15 games: 28
• Goal difference: +5
• Wins in last six matches: 5
• Average possession under Fabregas: 58%

When asked about European competition, Fabregas smiled, "Como in Europe? It's not crazy to think about it, it's a dream. We hope to achieve it one day." He adds that the club’s new sports center and upgraded scouting network are designed to sustain long‑term success.

What This Means for Italian Football

Como’s rise is reshaping how Serie A clubs approach talent development. Rather than splurging on expensive signings, Fabregas has leaned on a blend of seasoned veterans—such as former Italian internationals Marco Parolo—and promising loanees from top clubs. The model mirrors successful small‑market clubs in other leagues, offering a possible blueprint for financially constrained teams.

Italian pundits have praised Fabregas’ ability to extract high‑intensity pressing without sacrificing defensive shape. Former Serie A referee Roberto Rosetti noted, "You see a side that is disciplined, yet willing to take risks. It’s refreshing to watch a young manager challenge the status quo."

Looking ahead, Como will face a crucial clash with league leaders Inter Milan in early November. A positive result could cement their place among Italy’s top‑half clubs, while a setback would test the squad’s resilience.