Cesc Fàbregas’s Como 1907 is dreaming of Champions League football after a historic victory.
Como 1907, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, secured a narrow 1-0 win against Hellas Verona on Sunday, guaranteeing their first-ever qualification for European competition. Although the exact tournament remains undecided, the club still has a chance to reach the Champions League.
With just two games left in the season, the lakeside side sits only two points behind AC Milan, who have a game in hand, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. This achievement marks a major milestone for Fàbregas and a team with limited top-flight experience in Italian football.
Como was founded in 1907 as Como Foot-Ball Club, adopting blue as its iconic color. The team plays at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, inaugurated in 1928 and located by the lake — one of the most picturesque settings in Italian football.
**Fall and Resurrection**
The club hit rock bottom in 2004 when it declared bankruptcy and was excluded from professional football. Following the Italian tradition in such cases, Como started again from the bottom, in Serie D, the main non-professional division.
Another financial collapse came in 2016, followed by a third rebirth in 2017. The turning point arrived in 2019 when SENT Entertainment, linked to the Indonesian Djarum group and the Hartono brothers, took over the project. From there, Como underwent a rapid reconstruction: winning Serie D, climbing to Serie C, conquering that division in the 2020-21 season, and returning to Serie B.
**The Final Leap**
The decisive jump came in 2024 when Como earned promotion to Serie A for the first time in 21 years. It followed a brilliant season in Serie B, with a growing structure that blends investment, international management, and a strong identity tied to the city and the lake.
Cesc, who had been rumored as a future Barcelona coach, recently ended all speculation less than a month ago when he received the Enzo Bearzot Award in Rome. With a laugh, Fàbregas settled the matter with a direct remark: “Rinnoverà il contratto lui” (“He will renew his contract”), referring to Hansi Flick. That response deflated any rumors and made it clear that, for now, his focus is 100% on the Italian project.
Como, the surprise team of the season, achieved this in a hard-fought match, winning by a single goal against a Verona side already relegated to Serie B and with nothing to play for. Despite that, Verona did not make it easy for Fàbregas’s men.
In a nearly empty stadium and a game that seemed straightforward for Fàbregas’s team, the goal took time. Not until the 71st minute did Greek striker Anastasios Douvikas break the deadlock, securing the historic three points for Como.
Fàbregas’s side even saw a goal scored against them later disallowed by VAR. Still, defensive solidity remains a key hallmark for a team that has conceded only 28 goals this season. Among Europe’s top five leagues, only Arsenal (26) and Paris Saint-Germain (27) boast better records.
Cesc Fàbregas, manager of Como 1907 / EFE
**Nerves Before Euphoria**
Nerves weighed on Como at the start, especially after winning just one of their last five Serie A matches prior to this victory, following a run of five consecutive wins. But they overcame the tension by a narrow margin, moving closer to the dream of competing in European stadiums next season.
Two crucial fixtures remain for Como to take an even bigger step — the ultimate prize: the Champions League dream. They host their penultimate match at home, where they will look to keep the momentum alive.
