Como & Fabregas’ plan to integrate more Italians into squad

Como’s rise under Cesc Fabregas has been built on an exciting, youthful squad largely made up of foreign talent, but the club are already working on a long-term plan to bring more Italian players into the fold.

At present, Italians are notably scarce in the first-team picture, as noted by CalcioMercato.

Fabregas has openly acknowledged the imbalance, explaining that while his preference is to develop local talent, finding players who suit Como’s technical and tactical style has proved difficult.

“In Italy, if you play a young player and he doesn’t convince straight away, you take him out,” Fabregas said recently.

“If I believe in a young player, he plays at least seven or eight games so I can properly judge him.”

The Spaniard stressed that he and sporting director Ludi have actively tried to recruit Italian youngsters, but believe many of the country’s top prospects are already tied to elite clubs.

As a result, Como have turned their focus toward building from within.

The club’s Primavera side is central to that vision.

Competing in Primavera 2, Como’s Under-19s currently sit top of their group with 37 points after 16 games, scoring 36 goals and conceding just 15.

Youngsters such as winger Lorenzo Bonsignori (born 2007) and attacking midfielder Matteo Papaccioli (born 2008) are seen as potential future first-team options.

Fabregas also highlighted midfielder Rispoli, currently on loan at Catanzaro, as one to watch for next season.

While Como continue to rely on foreign signings for the present, the foundations are being laid for a more Italian core in the years ahead.