Fabregas Reveals Como’s Tactical Masterstroke Against Matic in Sassuolo Win

FolioPitch.com – 24 October 2026 | Cesc Fabregas admitted that Fabregas Como underestimated Matic quality and reveals what ex-Chelsea teammate said after a pivotal half-time adjustment inspired Como’s 2-0 Serie A victory over Sassuolo at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium. The Como coach, facing his former Chelsea teammate Nemanja Matic, acknowledged that his initial game plan failed to account for the Serbian midfielder’s influence, forcing him into a bold tactical reshuffle at the break.

The first half ended goalless, and Fabregas was far from satisfied. Speaking to DAZN Italia after the match, he explained that he had made the same mistake last season when Como lost to Sassuolo. “We changed a few things during the break, as I think I had underestimated the quality of Matic, just as I did last season when we lost to Sassuolo,” Fabregas said. It was a candid admission from a young coach still learning the nuances of Serie A management, and it set the stage for a second-half transformation.

The turning point came with three substitutions at half-time, designed specifically to neutralize Matic’s control in midfield. “Matic needs to be pressed constantly for the whole match. We cannot let him play,” Fabregas explained. “After that, we started to play better, and they lost both confidence and control. We were lacking something in that first half, so I really liked the reaction.” The changes injected fresh energy into Como’s pressing game, and Sassuolo’s rhythm was visibly disrupted.

The story took an even more personal turn after the final whistle, when Fabregas and Matic shared a warm embrace. The Como coach revealed the exchange: “He is my friend, I told him sorry, but we had to press you, otherwise you’d be running the game. He replied: ‘Remember you played your best football with me!'” It was a moment of mutual respect between two former Chelsea teammates, and it added a human touch to a fiercely competitive encounter.

That Fabregas Como underestimated Matic quality and reveals what ex-Chelsea teammate said moment encapsulated the tactical battle that defined the match. Matic, now marshalling Sassuolo’s midfield, had been the metronome in the first half, dictating tempo and breaking up play. Fabregas’s decision to target him with constant pressure was a gamble that paid off handsomely, as Como seized control after the interval.

Despite heavy squad rotation, with Nico Paz left on the bench for the entire match, Tasos Douvikas continued his impressive form by scoring both goals. The Greek striker’s brace sealed a comfortable win that followed a 4-1 victory over Manchester United, signaling Como’s growing maturity in balancing Champions League nights with domestic commitments. Fabregas praised the depth of his squad: “We cannot always go at full speed, but if we want to be this team, then we’ve got to find the energy from somewhere. That is only possible if the coach trusts every member of the squad, knowing he can change and give everyone an opportunity.”

The victory was not just about three points; it was a statement of intent. Como have struggled this season to maintain focus after European fixtures, but this performance demonstrated a newfound resilience. Fabregas continued to emphasize the learning curve: “There are thousands of moments in a season, we are learning every day and the team is going through a growth process.” The coach’s willingness to adapt, even if it means admitting initial misjudgments, has been a hallmark of his early managerial career.

Looking ahead, Como face a quick turnaround with a Serie A midweek trip to Torino on Tuesday evening. Fabregas highlighted the scheduling disparity: “Sassuolo had eight days to prepare for this match, now we’ve got Torino coming up, who played yesterday and have 24 hours of added rest. This is a big difference this season and we’re still getting used to it.” The challenge of managing fatigue and rotation will be crucial as Como aim to sustain their momentum.

For Matic, the encounter was a reminder of his enduring quality, even in defeat. The Serbian international may not have been able to prevent the loss, but his first-half performance showed why Fabregas felt compelled to make drastic changes. The friendly banter between the two former Chelsea stars underscored the respect that exists between them, forged during their time together at Stamford Bridge.

In conclusion, Fabregas’s tactical adjustment and honest reflection provided a fascinating insight into his managerial evolution. The decision to press Matic relentlessly was born from a recognition of his former teammate’s ability to control games, and the execution of that plan turned the match in Como’s favor. As the season progresses, such moments of adaptation will be vital for a Como side with ambitions of establishing themselves among Italy’s elite. The Fabregas Como underestimated Matic quality and reveals what ex-Chelsea teammate said narrative will linger as a testament to the fine margins in Serie A, where acknowledging and correcting a mistake can be the difference between victory and defeat.