In a historic match at the Gewiss Stadium, Cesc Fabregas’s Como triumphed over Atalanta 3-2, marking their first Serie A victory in over two decades. This thrilling encounter showcased Como’s resilience and attacking prowess, with three goals scored in a remarkable 12-minute span that turned the tide against a formidable Atalanta side.
“It feels amazing to lead this team to such a historic victory,” Fabregas remarked after the match on Tuesday night, reflecting on the win’s significance for the club. The match was not just a win; it was a testament to Como’s potential in Serie A, as they look to establish themselves in Italy’s top flight after a lengthy absence. Fabregas, confirmed as Como’s coach in July 2024 ahead of their first Serie A season in 21 years, expressed his pride in guiding the team through such a crucial moment.
Como’s journey back to Serie A has been a challenging one, with the club facing numerous obstacles over the years. In a statement, Como 1907 expressed their excitement: “We are delighted to confirm that Cesc Fabregas will become head coach of the men’s team on a four-year contract.” The former Spain midfielder was previously an assistant coach to Osian Roberts, contributing to Como’s automatic promotion to the top flight last season. His leadership and experience were crucial in preparing the team for the rigors of Serie A.
Originally set to kick off on Monday evening, the match faced delays due to torrential rain that plagued the Bergamo region, forcing officials to postpone it until Tuesday. This unexpected change did not deter either team, as both coaches, Gian Piero Gasperini and Fabregas, opted to stick with their starting lineups despite the schedule shift.
Atalanta began the match brightly, with Mateo Retegui testing Como goalkeeper Emil Audero early on. The home team quickly gained momentum, and it was Zappacosta who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. After a corner taken by Raoul Bellanova was cleared, Zappacosta found space at the edge of the box and unleashed an improvised half-volley that curled into the near corner, igniting the home crowd.
Como, however, demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite the setback, they responded with determination, creating opportunities and forcing Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi into action. As the first half progressed, Sergi Roberto came close to equalizing, directing a shot toward the bottom corner that was expertly saved. Como ended the first half with five shots, three of which were on target, compared to Atalanta’s two. This statistic indicated their growing confidence and willingness to push forward, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
The visitors came out with renewed energy after the break, leveling the score within just 20 seconds. A brilliant flick from Sergi Roberto at the edge of the box found Gabriel Strefezza, who hammered a powerful shot past Carnesecchi, reigniting Como’s hopes in Serie A. This early goal showcased Como’s attacking style and their ability to respond under pressure.
Como took the lead in the 52nd minute when a long-range effort from Nico Paz took a significant deflection off Sead Kolasinac, with the ball veering off course and finding the back of the net. This marked it as an own goal for the former Arsenal defender, further emphasizing Como’s relentless pursuit of victory in Serie A. Just two minutes later, Paz provided another assist with a perfectly weighted ball over the top. Alieu Fadera skillfully took the pass in stride and calmly bent his shot into the net, extending Como’s lead to 3-1.
Despite trailing, Atalanta refused to back down and maintained pressure, frequently pushing into Como’s half. Their persistence paid off late in the game when a crucial moment occurred in the seventh minute of injury time. Debutant Vanja Vlahovic, who had recently entered the fray, was brought down in the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick. Ademola Lookman, who had also come off the bench, stepped up to take the penalty. With the game on the line, he coolly struck the ball down the middle, reducing Como’s lead to 3-2.
However, it proved to be too little, too late, as the final whistle blew shortly after, sealing a memorable victory for Como in Serie A. The final score of 3-2 not only highlights Como’s potential under Fabregas’s management but also serves as a significant milestone for a club that has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
Following this historic match, Como aims to build on their success as they navigate the challenges of Serie A. After five games in the 2024/25 season, ULTIMATEBLOG Online reports that Atalanta sits 12th in the 20-team table with six points, level with four other clubs, while Como is in 15th place with five points, tied with three other teams.
The passionate display from Como and their tactical execution throughout the match will provide a boost as they strive for a successful Serie A campaign. With Fabregas at the helm, the team looks poised to capitalize on this momentum and continue their fight for respectability in Italy’s top tier of football.