Fabregas full of praise for mentor Sarri as Como dominate Lazio | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas hailed Maurizio Sarri as a “genius” after Como’s emphatic 3-0 win away to Lazio, as the Spanish coach reflected on a landmark victory and the ideas behind his rapidly developing side.

Como stunned Lazio at the Olimpico with a dominant display built on technical quality and attacking intelligence, led by Martin Baturina and a brace from Nico Paz.

Fabregas: ‘Not just about how much we’ve spent’

Speaking after the match, Fabregas stressed that the performance was the result of shared footballing principles rather than spending power.

“I’m glad you mentioned that it’s not just about how much we’ve spent,” Fabregas explained.

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Nico Paz of Como 1907 celebrates of Como 1907 celebrates with his teammates after scoring the second goal for his team during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on January 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“What matters is how much the players earn and how they grow. When players understand football in the same way, the game belongs to them, not the coach. I don’t believe in robotic football.”

Fabregas underlined how players such as Perrone, Da Cunha, Caqueret, Nico Paz and Baturina thrive because of their creativity and shared vision. “They understand each other and the spaces. That gives you a completely different perception of the game,” he said.

Lazio 0-3 Como – Fabregas praises ‘genius’ Sarri

The former Arsenal midfielder also reserved special words for his opposite number. “Maurizio is a genius,” Fabregas said of Maurizio Sarri. “He proved it in Italy and in England with us at Chelsea. I’m always happy to see him and I still use many of the ideas he taught me.”

Fabregas admitted the win was even more important after a recent setback. “Losing to Milan and then reacting four days later against a strong team is not easy,” he added. “That’s why this result means so much.”

VERONA, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Maurizio Sarri head coach of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on January 11, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

For Como, it was a statement performance. For Lazio, a humbling night – and one overseen by a coach who earned the deep respect of his former pupil.