Fabregas Hails Como’s Italian Youngsters After Youth League Win Over Manchester United

FolioPitch.com – 24 October 2026 | Cesc Fabregas has praised Como‘s academy for embracing the Italian identity the club wants to instil in its first team, after the Under-19 side defeated Manchester United in the Youth League with eight Italians in the starting XI. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with Sassuolo, the Spaniard highlighted the significance of the result and the broader vision at the Lombardy club. Indeed, it was a moment that encapsulated why Fabregas hails Como’s Italian youngsters after the Youth League win over Manchester United, a victory that mirrored the senior team’s 4-1 Champions League triumph over the same opponent.

Como’s Under-19 squad featured 16 Italian players for the match, a clear reflection of the club’s stated ambition to build a team rooted in local talent. President Mirwan Suwarso recently outlined the goal of one day fielding an entire team of Italians, ideally all from Lombardy, following the Athletic Club model. Fabregas, who has been instrumental in shaping Como’s project, believes the youth sector is already demonstrating that philosophy. “I’m very happy. Many of the lads arrived this year. They’re strong, they’re Italian, and it’s a similar concept to what we’d like to bring to the first team,” he said. “They understand our style of play and they’re doing a great job.”

The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder also pointed to the size of his first-team squad as a key factor in providing opportunities for academy graduates. “We have a short squad, but if you have a long one, you never need to bring anyone up from the academy,” Fabregas explained. “Otherwise we wouldn’t have found Cassano, or given chances to Pisati and Baralla, and Papaccioli has come back. It’s all coming from our youth sector.” This approach has already borne fruit, with several young players earning first-team minutes this season. It is a strategy that aligns with the club’s broader vision, and it is why Fabregas hails Como’s Italian youngsters after the Youth League win over Manchester United as a sign of things to come.

Fabregas was also asked about Samuele Ricci, the midfielder who joined from Milan in the summer but has struggled for regular playing time. The coach insisted that the 23-year-old will get his chance. “Everyone will find space. He’s training at a high level, and his chance will come. I like his quality, but above all his mentality since he arrived,” Fabregas said. “He’s always been discreet, humble, smiling and focused on his work. That’s how it should always be, because some young players today get their heads turned. The opportunity can come, as it did for Liberali.” Ricci, a former Torino and Empoli player, has been patient, and Fabregas’s comments suggest he values the midfielder’s professionalism as much as his ability.

The Youth League victory over Manchester United has generated excitement around Como, with the club’s focus on Italian talent drawing comparisons to Athletic Club’s Basque-only policy. While such a model may seem ambitious, the early results at youth level are encouraging. The fact that eight Italians started against United, and 16 were in the squad, underlines the depth of本土 talent being nurtured at Como. For Fabregas, the win is not just a one-off; it is a validation of the club’s identity and a blueprint for the future. As the first team prepares for Sassuolo, the coach’s message is clear: the pathway from academy to senior squad is open for those who earn it, and the Italian core is central to the project.

In conclusion, Fabregas hails Como’s Italian youngsters after the Youth League win over Manchester United as a defining moment for the club’s academy. The victory, achieved with a predominantly Italian lineup, reflects the vision set out by the president and executed by the coaching staff. With a short squad and a commitment to youth development, Como are positioning themselves as a club that values local identity and gives young players a genuine chance to shine. If the Youth League success is anything to go by, the future looks bright for the Azzurri hopefuls at Como.