Between world class & World Cup frustration: this club shames a nation | OneFootball

The contrast could hardly be greater. Just a few days ago, the Italian national team missed out on World Cup qualification for the third consecutive time after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is undoubtedly a historic low point that ruthlessly exposes the country’s structural problems. These include poor youth development, little to no trust in young players, and a league that struggles to shake off its reputation as a "retirement league."

And then there is Como. On the beautiful shores of Lake Como, a highly intriguing football project has emerged under coach Cesc Fabregas. With a bold and attacking style ("I love to attack and I love to have the ball"), the Spaniard has turned what was once a second- or even third-division club into a Champions League contender. They are currently fourth and hold a three-point lead over former serial champions Juventus.

Success is also a result of money

The less romantic truth is this: this rapid rise has been made possible primarily by massive investment. Since the Indonesian Hartono brothers came on board, Como have been in an excellent financial position, with around €127 million spent on new players in this season alone. Names like Álvaro Morata and top talent Nico Paz are symbolic of that quality. 

But this is exactly where the real problem begins – at least from an Italian perspective. Because while Como are thrilling on the pitch, the influence of domestic players is practically non-existent. Only two Italians are even in the squad, and their combined playing time amounts to a mere 14 minutes. Instead, Fabregas relies on an international mix, including a notably high number of older players.

So the bitter realization is this: the perhaps most exciting club of this Serie A season has absolutely nothing to do with the development of Italian players – and therefore, indirectly, with the Italian national team as well.

📸 Marco Luzzani - 2026 Getty Images

Fabregas inspired by Wenger

In fact, Como embody exactly what Italian football is missing. The team plays bravely, with variety, and has a clear attacking identity. Fabregas takes inspiration from coaches like Arsène Wenger, whom he calls a "second father," and consistently applies modern principles such as positional play and quick transitions. "I learned a lot from him, and I want my team to put that into practice as well," explains the World Cup and European Championship winner.

But while an internationally assembled club shakes up the league, domestic talent development is being left behind. Countries like England, Spain, and France produce huge numbers of top players year after year. Italy, by contrast, can only watch from the sidelines – including at the upcoming World Cup. 

Ironically, then, Como are both a beacon of hope and a warning. The success of the Lombardy club shows what is possible with a clear plan, properly invested money, and a great deal of courage. But it also mercilessly lays bare why the once-feared Squadra Azzurra have currently fallen behind. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Marco Luzzani - 2026 Getty Images