Como 1907 and Gasperini’s Roma challenge Italy’s rebuilding giants | OneFootball

Italian football, much like the national team, is going through a period of rebuilding.

Internazionale are looking to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite, while Milan and Juventus are still trying to restore their former status in Serie A.

In recent seasons, Napoli have taken advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the traditional powers to win two Scudetti in quick succession. Heading into the new campaign, Como 1907, under Cesc Fàbregas, and Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, look well placed to challenge near the top of the table.

After a season of consolidation in 2024/25, Como enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Italian Championship, with their progressive, front-foot style continuing to develop. Their rise reached a new level when they secured a historic place in the Champions League, finishing above both Milan and Juventus and sending the two giants into the Europa League.

Cesc Fàbregas enters his fourth season in charge with a fresh set of challenges, particularly with a European campaign now added to the domestic schedule. Como are also no longer regarded as underdogs in Serie A, meaning the club must now show that it can maintain the consistency that has driven its recent rise.

The strategy has been to stick to the formula that brought success rather than spend recklessly. Despite the financial boost provided by Champions League qualification, Como have maintained their approach in the transfer market, prioritising promising young players while securing key members of their existing squad.

One of their most important pieces of business was retaining Argentine Nico Paz. The World Cup midfielder agreed to remain in Lombardy, with Como paying €60 million to Real Madrid as part of the deal. The club have also made the signing of Álvaro Morata permanent.

Among the new arrivals, Fàbregas has placed particular faith in young Brazilian full-backs. Kaiki, who came through the academy at Cruzeiro, and Yan Couto, who arrives on loan from Dortmund, have joined the squad. The Spaniard has also brought in Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea and Luis Milla from Getafe.

Como have continued their search for emerging talent with the signing of Mattia Liberali. The 19-year-old midfielder came through Milan's academy and impressed during his spell in the second tier with Catanzaro.

With a young squad and a clearly defined style, Fàbregas has earned his place in the spotlight. He now has the opportunity to establish both Como 1907 and his own managerial career among the best in Italy.

Youth on the pitch, experience in the dugout

While Como have placed their faith in a relatively young coach, Roma have opted for experience as they look to return to the top of Italian football.

Following a turbulent campaign that saw three different managers - Ivan Juric, Daniele De Rossi and Claudio Ranieri - take charge, the capital club appointed Gian Piero Gasperini last season and quickly began to see the benefits.

The 68-year-old guided Roma to their best finish in the Italian Championship in eight years, secured Champions League qualification for the first time this decade and helped the club end a 10-year wait to sit top of Serie A during the campaign.

Now entering his second season at the helm, Gasperini has been backed heavily in the transfer market as Roma look to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

In defence, the club moved for left-footed centre-back Kostas Koulierakis. Roma invested around €16.5 million in the 19-year-old Greece international, who had spent the previous two seasons with Wolfsburg.

At the other end of the pitch, Roma found their new striker within Serie A. Argentine forward Santiago Castro left Bologna after an impressive spell to become Gasperini's latest attacking option. The 21-year-old cost €35 million.

Roma then completed the headline signing of the summer this week, bringing Portuguese wonderkid Rodrigo Mora from Porto. The deal could eventually reach €50 million, making the teenager the most expensive signing in the club's history.

Roma's growing Argentine contingent of Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro has also been joined by 2022 World Cup winner Nahuel Molina.

The right-back arrives to address Roma's lack of options on that side and will also help provide balance alongside Brazilian Wesley on the opposite flank. Molina returns to Italian football after four seasons working under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid, having also started for Argentina at his second World Cup.

Roma's ambitious transfer window has also included a significant investment to keep Donyell Malen. The Dutch forward impressed during the second half of last season and has now joined permanently after Roma paid Aston Villa €25 million.

Malen made an immediate impact during his six months in Italy, scoring 15 goals and providing two assists in just 20 appearances.

With an impressive squad at his disposal and the proven experience of Gasperini, whose recent success at Atalanta speaks for itself, Roma have plenty of reason for optimism heading into the new campaign.