Squad Adjustments and Key Returns
Como’s head coach, Cesc Fabregas, has indicated a need for squad rotation to manage the demands of their Champions League campaign [1]. This strategy comes as the team prepares for their Champions League fixture against Feyenoord. Several key players are expected to return to the starting lineup. Luis Milla is anticipated to reclaim his central midfield role, while Martin Baturina is also set to feature in the first XI [2]. On the defensive end, Alex Valle is expected to start at left-back. In the attacking third, Nico Paz, whom Fabregas considers decisive and still growing as a player [1], is projected to play in an attacking midfield position. Anastasios Douvikas is expected to lead the line as the sole striker [2]. However, Como will be without Maxence Caqueret, who is not included in their UEFA list, and Moise Kean, who is sidelined due to injury [2].
Champions League Debut and Emerging Talents
This season marks Como’s historic debut in the Champions League [3]. Their inaugural match in the competition was a home fixture against RB Leipzig [4]. The club has been actively investing in young talent, with Nico Paz joining from Real Madrid in 2024 and quickly establishing himself as a regular for both Como and Argentina [4]. Paz has publicly credited coach Fabregas for his development [4]. Another significant acquisition was Jesus Rodriguez, who arrived from Real Betis in the summer of 2025 for a fee exceeding $31 million [3]. Rodriguez has garnered significant attention, with Lionel Messi naming him as one of the ten young players to watch in 2026 [3]. These young talents are central to Como’s ambitions as they navigate their first season in Europe’s premier club competition.
Recent Form and Managerial Outlook
Como’s recent Serie A performances have shown a slight dip, as they are winless in their last two league games [2]. This includes a 2-0 loss to Frosinone and a 0-0 draw against Roma [1]. Despite this, Cesc Fabregas, the head coach of Como [1], has expressed satisfaction with the team’s early season progress but emphasizes the need for them to take their Champions League aspirations more seriously [1]. The challenge of balancing domestic league commitments with a demanding European schedule will test the depth and resilience of the squad. The upcoming Champions League match against Feyenoord will be a crucial test for Como as they aim to regain momentum and establish themselves in the competition.
What it means
Como currently sits in 7th place in Serie A with 11 points from 6 matches, reflecting a solid start to their domestic campaign with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 9 goals and conceding 6. However, their recent form shows a slight decline, with a 0-0 draw against AS Roma and a 0-2 loss to Frosinone in their last two Serie A fixtures, following a 4-1 Champions League win against RB Leipzig and a 2-1 Serie A win against Parma. This suggests a mixed bag of results, with strong performances interspersed with recent struggles. The next fixture, an away match against Fiorentina in Serie A on October 18th, will be an important opportunity for Como to bounce back and maintain their position in the top half of the table, especially as they navigate the demands of their Champions League debut.
Sources
- Football Italia: Fabregas: ‘Como’s Champions League dream must become reality’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Champions League: Feyenoord vs. Como – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Como’s Jesus Rodriguez follows Nico Paz onto Messi’s list of future stars football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Nico Paz hails Como coach Fabregas: ‘He taught me practically everything’ football-italia.net ↩
