Capello: Como talent Diao is better than Leao, but I ‘don’t understand’ Fabregas | OneFootball

Former Milan coach Fabio Capello says Assane Diao is better than Rafael Leao ‘on a technical level,’ and even if he doesn’t understand Cesc Fabregas’ ‘circle’ in central midfield after games, he admits Como are ‘a joy to watch.’

Como were the only Serie A club to secure a win in the Champions League Round 1.

Capello opens up about Fabregas, Como, and Diao

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello attends the Sporting Mixed Zone ahead of Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)

The Lariani beat RB Leipzig 4-1 in their first-ever Champions League match on Thursday.

Diao scored Como’s third goal in the second half and was praised by Sky Sport pundit Capello at full time.

“He reminds me of Leao, even if, on a technical level, I consider him better than the ex-Milan player,” Capello said via Calciomercato.com.

COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 10: Assane Diao of Como 1907 runs with the ball under pressure from David Raum and Nicolas Seiwald of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Como 1907 and RB Leipzig at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The former Milan coach added (via Corriere dello Sport): “Como are a joy to watch. They’re the team I enjoy watching most. I like them because they play on the front foot, everyone puts in the effort, and everyone runs.”

As usual, Fabregas gathered his players in a circle on the pitch to celebrate, but that was the one aspect Capello didn’t quite approve of: “I don’t understand why Fabregas does this circle in the middle of the pitch after every game,” he said.

COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 10: Cesc Fabregas, Manager of Como 1907, celebrates after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Como 1907 and RB Leipzig at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

“I don’t think airing these things publicly is the best approach. To me, it just seems like a show and nothing more. These are things that belong in the dressing room, but it’s fashionable to do this nowadays. I’m old-fashioned,” he concluded, smiling.

The other three Serie A representatives in the Champions League grabbed two defeats (Inter and Real Madrid) and one draw (Roma).

Como play their next Serie A match at home against Parma next Monday.