Squad Additions and Key Players
Como 1907 has been busy in the transfer market, bolstering their squad with several notable arrivals. Among the new faces are Samuele Ricci and Moise Kean, both of whom have joined the club [1]. These additions signal an intent to strengthen the team across various positions as they navigate the Serie A season. In terms of player retention and future prospects, Real Madrid maintains an option to re-buy Nico Paz from Como, indicating the value placed on young talent within the squad [1]. Similarly, Jacobo Ramón, who is a confirmed starter under coach Cesc Fabregas, also has a re-buy option held by Real Madrid [1]. Ramón has expressed his happiness at Como and is not currently considering a return to his former club, suggesting a commitment to the project under Fabregas.
Midfielder Lucas Da Cunha has emerged as a crucial figure for Como, with expectations for him to be a key player in the team’s midfield [2]. His recent performance for the French national team has drawn significant praise, with reports highlighting his composure and technical ability [2]. During his France debut, Da Cunha completed an impressive 83 out of 89 passes, made six recoveries, won four duels, and contributed two tackles, showcasing his all-around capabilities in the midfield [2]. Meanwhile, Mattia Liberali is currently with the Under-21s for Como, indicating the club’s strategy of developing its younger talent [1].
Defensive Challenges and Tactical Approach
Despite the influx of new talent and strong individual performances, Como has faced significant defensive challenges in the early stages of the Serie A season. The team has not managed to keep a single clean sheet in their opening five rounds of the campaign [1]. This statistic points to an area where coach Cesc Fabregas will likely be looking for improvement. Defender Jacobo Ramón acknowledged that Fabregas is actively trying to implement a more attacking style of play in Serie A [1]. This offensive philosophy, while potentially leading to more goals scored, might also contribute to the defensive vulnerabilities observed so far. Ramón’s comments after Como’s first defeat of the season against Frosinone, where he described their opponents as intense with quality attackers and a strong goalkeeper, further underscore the competitive nature of Serie A and the need for a robust defensive structure.
What it means
Como currently sits in 8th position in Serie A, having accumulated 10 points from their first five matches. Their record of three wins, one draw, and one loss, with nine goals scored and six conceded, paints a picture of a team that has started the season reasonably well offensively but struggles defensively. The recent form shows a mixed bag of results, with a 0-2 loss to Frosinone following a 2-1 home win against Parma and a significant 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Earlier in the season, they secured a 4-1 away win against Genoa and a 2-1 away win against SSC Napoli. The lack of clean sheets across all five Serie A games is a clear area of concern, suggesting that while the team can score, they are also prone to conceding. This defensive fragility could be a limiting factor as the season progresses. The next fixture will be crucial for Como to demonstrate improvements in their defensive solidity while maintaining their attacking prowess.