In a historic clash at Gewiss Stadium, Cesc Fabregas’s Como claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atalanta, marking their first Serie A win in over two decades.
The match highlighted Como’s resilience and attacking flair, featuring an exhilarating 12-minute period during which three goals transformed the game against a tough Atalanta side.
“It feels amazing to lead this team to such a historic victory,” Fabregas commented after the match on Tuesday night, expressing the win’s importance for the club.
Fabregas was appointed as Como’s coach in July 2024, just ahead of their first Serie A season in 21 years. Como officially announced, “Como 1907 is delighted to confirm that Cesc Fabregas will become head coach of the men’s team on a four-year contract.”
The former Spain midfielder had served as assistant to Osian Roberts, helping Como secure automatic promotion to the top flight last season.
Originally scheduled for Monday evening, the match was postponed until Tuesday due to heavy rain in the Bergamo area. Both coaches, Gian Piero Gasperini and Fabregas, had named their starting lineups the night before but chose to stick with them despite the delay.
Atalanta started strong, with Mateo Retegui testing Como’s goalkeeper, Emil Audero, early in the game. However, it was Zappacosta who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, firing a half-volley into the near corner after a cleared corner from Raoul Bellanova. The home crowd erupted in celebration.
Como, undeterred by the setback, responded with determination. They found their rhythm, forcing Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi into action to deny several efforts, including a near miss from Sergi Roberto, whose shot was expertly saved.
Como ended the first half with five shots—three on target—compared to Atalanta’s two, reflecting their growing confidence and setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
The visitors came out energized after the break, equalising within just 20 seconds. A clever flick from Sergi Roberto found Gabriel Strefezza, who hammered a powerful shot past Carnesecchi, igniting Como’s hopes.
Como took the lead in the 52nd minute when a long-range strike from Nico Paz deflected off Sead Kolasinac, veering off course to find the back of the net—an unfortunate own goal for the former Arsenal defender.
Two minutes later, Paz again provided a perfectly weighted ball over the top, which Alieu Fadera skillfully controlled before calmly bending his shot into the net, extending Como’s lead to 3-1.
Despite trailing, Atalanta pressed on, maintaining pressure in Como’s half. Their persistence paid off late in the game during the seventh minute of injury time. Debutant Vanja Vlahovic was fouled in the penalty area, leading the referee to award a penalty.
Ademola Lookman, also a substitute, stepped up to take the spot-kick. With the game hanging in the balance, he confidently struck the ball down the middle, reducing Como’s lead to 3-2. However, it was too little, too late, as the final whistle blew shortly after, sealing a memorable victory for Como.
**Full-time: Atalanta 2-3 Como**
**Goals:**
– Zappacosta (A) 18’
– Strefezza (C) 46’
– Kolasinac OG (C) 52’
– Fadera (C) 54’
– Lookman (A) 90+9’
This victory showcases Como’s potential under Fabregas’s management and represents a significant milestone for a club that has faced challenges in recent years.
After five games in the 2024/25 season, Atalanta currently sits 12th in the 20-team table with six points, level with four other clubs, while Como is in 15th place with five points, tied with three other teams. The passionate display from Como and their tactical execution throughout the match will serve as a boost as they strive for a successful Serie A campaign.
