Italian soccer fans praise Como's Champions League campaign

Italian soccer fans are in awe of Como's incredible start to their Champions League campaign, which includes a 9-1 thrashing of Lens away from home, one of the greatest wins in Italian history. However, this impressive performance is not an isolated incident, but rather the culmination of a well-planned project with clear goals and a talented roster.

Under the guidance of Spanish coach Cesc Fabregas, Como has undergone significant transformation over the past three years. Fabregas joined the club as a player before retiring and later took charge of the Under-23 team, making a name for himself in the process. His promotion to first-team head coach marked a turning point for the club.

Since becoming top-tier head coach, Fabregas has achieved remarkable results, including promotion to Serie A, a 10th-place finish in his first season, and Champions League qualification in his second full season. This is no coincidence; Fabregas has consistently showcased a clear tactical identity built around attacking football and an intense high press.

This approach has delivered some of the most entertaining performances in recent years, with Como consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the pitch. Fans have taken notice, drawn to the team's exciting brand of soccer that prioritizes style over substance.

Fabregas' commitment to his vision is unwavering, and he's managed to achieve results without compromising his principles. This rare combination of success and integrity has made Como a darling of the soccer world, with many fans and pundits alike eager to see what the future holds for this exciting team.

The numbers don't lie: after four Champions League matchdays, only three teams, PSG, Real Madrid, and Arsenal, have achieved better results than Como. The Italian side boasts a superior goal difference to Barcelona, Manchester City, and Liverpool, and has accumulated more points than Bayern Munich, Inter, AS Roma, and Napoli.

The club's commitment to Fabregas is evident in its willingness to support his decisions, even if it means going against conventional wisdom. This level of autonomy is a rare commodity in professional football, where coaches often face significant pressure from boardrooms and fans.

One key factor contributing to this environment is the ownership structure at Como, with Fabregas holding a minority stake in the club. This arrangement has allowed him to maintain a high degree of control over the team's direction, further solidified by his ability to negotiate deals that align with his vision.

The transfer market is another area where Como's approach stands out. A prime example is Nico Paz, who initially joined the Italian side on a permanent deal in 2024 from Real Madrid for €6 million. However, the Spanish giants retained significant influence over the player's future, including a sell-on clause and the right to re-sign him at a predetermined fee.

Two years later, Como exercised their option to make Paz's stay permanent, securing his services for around €60 million while allowing Real Madrid to retain a buy-back clause worth €80 million. This deal reflects the club's willingness to invest in players who fit their long-term strategy, rather than prioritizing short-term gains.

Como's transfer dealings often involve complex negotiations, as seen with Paz's initial loan and subsequent permanent move. The Italian side has demonstrated an ability to navigate these challenges, securing deals that align with their vision while also considering the interests of other parties involved.

The success of this approach is evident in Como's current standing in Serie A, where they boast a superior goal difference to several top European teams and have accumulated more points than several prominent clubs. This level of performance has been achieved through a combination of effective decision-making and a willingness to invest in players who fit their strategy.

The recent goal-scoring feat by Nico Paz at Lens has been a testament to the success of Como's long-term project. This achievement is not solely attributed to individual talent but also reflects the collective efforts of the club in creating an environment conducive to growth and competition.

Paz's dedication to his team and his decision to stay with Como despite having opportunities to return to Real Madrid speaks volumes about the potential of this project. His impressive performance, including three goals and five assists in four Champions League games, is a significant contribution to the team's success.

The situation at Como differs from what might be expected elsewhere, where players like Paz and Fabregas would typically seek better offers before leaving. Instead, the club's long-term vision and model have created an environment where both players can thrive and build something special together.

Como's shift from ambition to objective has become a reality, with winning major honors now within their sights. Nights like the one against Lens demonstrate that this goal is not just achievable but already underway.