Como’s Cesc Fabregas Prepares Team for Champions League Challenge Against Napoli
Como’s head coach, Cesc Fabregas, emphasized the importance of strategic gameplay as his team gears up to face Napoli today. Fabregas highlighted that Como is in the process of gradually rebuilding its squad to meet the heightened demands of the Champions League. The match is set to take place at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, kicking off at 17:30 UK time (18:30 CEST).
The Lariani encountered a challenging start to the current season, managing only a 1-1 draw at home against Udinese. With numerous new players integrated into the squad, Fabregas acknowledged the potential growing pains ahead, noting that additional transfers, including Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, are anticipated.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, Fabregas remarked, “Obviously, the heat has an effect, so we need to play with intelligence. If we just run up and down after the ball, we’ll get tired very quickly. It’s important to hold the ball and control the tempo,” as he noted in an interview with DAZN Italia.
Como finished fourth in Serie A last season, reaching the semifinals of the Coppa Italia. However, this year presents a new challenge with Champions League commitments, as Fabregas stated the team no longer operates as a surprising contender in the league.
He further explained, “I don’t feel or see a change of status for this club. We want to keep improving, but since I have been the coach of Como, we went from Serie B to the Champions League in a couple of years. We’ve got to be calm and be able to handle things; we know the responsibility and where we are, but we are always transparent.”
Acknowledging the competitive increase this season, Fabregas recalled his experiences in LaLiga and the Premier League, describing the Champions League atmosphere as distinct and noting the risks of unpreparedness in elite competitions. To prepare, Como has strategically signed experienced players while focusing on team cohesion.
Additionally, Fabregas responded to past criticisms regarding the lack of Italian players in the Como squad. The club has since brought in talents such as Mattia Liberali and Samuele Ricci. Fabregas expressed his satisfaction with Liberali’s development, recognizing his resilience last season while appreciating the competitive spirit that young players like him bring to the team.
As Como steps onto the field against Napoli, they aim to leverage their strategic mindset and emerging talents to navigate the challenges of increased competition in the Champions League.
Cesc Fabregas warns Como are ‘trying to gradually rebuild the squad’ for the step up in level to the Champions League, and want to play with ‘intelligence’ against Napoli today.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
The Lariani had a surprisingly tricky start to the new season, as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Udinese.
There are many new players in the side, so it might take a while for them to gel properly, and several more expected to arrive, including Fiorentina striker Moise Kean.
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Fabregas overseeing Como development
UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Cesc Fabregas, Como manager, looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Friuli on August 22, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
“Obviously, the heat has an effect, so we need to play with intelligence. If we just run up and down after the ball, we’ll get tired very quickly. It’s important to hold the ball and control the tempo,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.
Como finished fourth in Serie A last term and reached the Coppa Italia semi-final, but this time around they will also have Champions League commitments and have somewhat lost the shadow of being a surprise outfit.
UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Nico Paz of Como and Oumar Solet of Udinese in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Friuli on August 22, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
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“I don’t feel or see a change of status for this club. We want to keep improving, but since I have been the coach of Como, we went from Serie B to the Champions League in a couple of years. We’ve got to be calm and be able to handle things, we know the responsibility and where we are, but are always transparent.
“The level of game this season will increase, we know that. I remember my first time playing in LaLiga and the Premier League, but the Champions League has a different atmosphere, and if you’re not ready, you can lose 5-0 or 6-0. So we brought in players who have experience, we slowly raised the level, and we’re trying to gradually rebuild the squad. Better individuals does not necessarily automatically mean a better team, we need to work on the unit.”
GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 26: Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Como 1907 at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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There had been criticism last season that there were insufficient Italian players in the Como squad, so they invested in Mattia Liberali, Samuele Ricci and more.
“I am very happy with Liberali, he’s a teenager, I liked his progress last season, as he didn’t play at all for six months, but had the character to become the best Serie B player last season,” noted Fabregas.
“I believe a lot in the importance of mentality, he said he knows Nico Paz is there, but he’s ready to challenge for his place. That fires me up, because young players now want everything straight away, so I’m happy with Matty for his approach.”
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