Cesc Fàbregas faces unprecedented test as Como chase new records

Guia: Como, under Spanish coach Cesc Fàbregas, will confront an unprecedented challenge in 2026/27, aiming to build on a historic rise that saw the club finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League after its first Serie A campaign in over two decades.

Historic rise to Champions League

The Lombardy side played its first Serie A season in more than two decades in 2024/25, staying comfortably clear of the relegation battle. It then secured a fourth‑place finish, which earned a spot in the Champions League for the first time in the club’s modern history. That achievement cemented Como as the biggest sensation in Italian football over the last two years.

Since the 2019 acquisition by the Indonesian Djarum Group, the club has entered a new era of ambition and investment. The ownership change laid the financial foundation that made the recent success possible and set expectations for continued growth.

Transfer market overhaul

Guided by Cesc Fàbregas, Como executed its most ambitious Transferências window yet, spending a total of €57.5 million on new signings. High‑profile arrivals included Trevoh Chalobah, a 27‑year‑old defender from Chelsea in the Premier League for €30 million, and Álvaro Morata, a 33‑year‑old centre‑forward from AC Milan for €12 million. Other additions such as Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro (Serie B, €6 million) and Luis Milla from Getafe in La Liga (€6 million) rounded out a squad designed for offensive intensity.

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The club also secured several players on free terms, noted as “Emp.” in the list, including the experienced midfielder Sergi Roberto who left for LA Galaxy in MLS. The influx of talent reflects a clear intent to compete at the highest level of the Serie A.

Outgoing transfers saw the departure of Brazilian centre‑back Diego Carlos and right‑back Mërgim Vojvoda, who moved to Udinese for €1.5 million. Additional exits featured Ali Jasim, a left‑winger who joined Zakho SC in the Iraq Stars League for €0.65 million, and several players moving to clubs such as Palermo (Pa) and other Serie B sides. The sales generated modest income but also freed up wages for the new signings.

Future ambitions

Inter, the favourite to repeat the Scudetto, remains far ahead in squad depth, yet Como believes it can challenge the traditional trio of Inter, Milan and Juventus and even rival Roma as Italy’s new sensation. The club’s strategic planning, combined with the tactical vision of Cesc Fàbregas, aims to turn the 2026/27 season into a record‑breaking campaign.

Whether Como can consolidate its place among the elite will be tested by the upcoming Serie A schedule and the strength of rivals such as Napoli, now under Massimiliano Allegri. The contrast between past triumphs and future hurdles highlights the club’s ambition to become a permanent force in Italian football.