Summary
Seven years ago, Italy’s Como were on the brink of collapse. Now, they compete in Europe’s premier club tournament and deliver exciting performances under a talented coach. How did they achieve one of the most impressive rises in football history?...
Table of contents
Seven years ago, Italy’s Como were on the brink of collapse. Now, they compete in Europe’s premier club tournament and deliver exciting performances under a talented coach. How did they achieve one of the most impressive rises in football history? Find out in this 1xBet review.
From struggling club to ambitious project
Como were founded in 1907 but didn’t reach Serie A until 1949, where they stayed for four seasons. Over the following decades, the club struggled with instability, moving between the lower divisions and the top flight. Financial difficulties made matters worse, leading to two bankruptcies in the 21st century.
Indonesian brothers Robert and Michael Hartono rescued Como from debt and the threat of closure, buying the club while it was in the fourth division. Despite being the wealthiest owners in Italian football, they avoided rash investments and focused on gradual development: they acquired and renovated a training center, modernized the stadium, and assembled a team of promising young players.
Another key figure in Como’s progress is club president Mirwan Suwarso, who is following Disney’s example to build a thriving business empire with diverse revenue streams. Under his leadership, Como collaborate with fashion brands and successfully sell their own merchandise. They also make smart use of the city’s main attraction — picturesque Lake Como, a favorite vacation spot for celebrities. The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia stands on its shore, and Hollywood stars such as Hugh Grant, Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Jackman, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley are often spotted in the crowd.
Key to the side’s success
Como’s rapid rise would not have been possible without results on the pitch, and Cesc Fàbregas has been central to those achievements. In 2022, the Spaniard and fellow former Arsenal and Barcelona player Thierry Henry became shareholders in the club. Fàbregas also joined to finish his playing career there. He subsequently began coaching Como’s U19s and, a year later, became permanent head coach of the first team, helping consolidate their position in Serie A. In his second full season, he led them to fourth place and their first-ever Champions League qualification. Their European debut was impressive — a convincing 4–1 victory over RB Leipzig.
Como’s style of play is not only effective but also attractive, much like a 1xBet bonus. Drawing on his experience under Arsène Wenger and Josep Guardiola, Fàbregas has introduced assured possession, intricate passing moves, flexible positional play, and aggressive pressing. The Spaniard describes his coaching philosophy this way: “I want to keep opponents under pressure at all times. I want to control matches.”
Another hallmark of his approach is developing stars rather than buying them. Nico Paz is a striking example. Before joining Como, the Argentine was surplus to requirements at Real Madrid and valued at €10 million. In two years, he has become one of the world’s leading young talents, and that figure has increased eightfold. Martin Baturina and Anastasios Douvikas are also thriving under Fàbregas; last season, they combined for 32 goal contributions.
Como’s transformation shows how sound management and hard work can turn a little-known club into a success story that wins the hearts of millions. Follow their continued progress and the most exciting football events with 1xBet Singapore!
