Como secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Venezia, a result their manager Cesc Fabregas immediately labelled as “incredibly valuable.” The win, sealed by a first-half penalty from Lucas Da Cunha, was described by Fabregas as the most important of the season so far for his side.
Speaking after the match, Fabregas acknowledged the difficulty of securing three points in modern football. He highlighted Como’s defensive solidity, noting that Venezia managed only one shot on target throughout the game. Despite the tight schedule and limited training opportunities, the team’s mentality and courage to play their desired style were praised by the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder.
Key Moments and Fabregas’s Candour
The decisive moment came from Lucas Da Cunha’s penalty, which put Como ahead. However, the match also featured a contentious moment when Venezia had a penalty appeal for a Luis Milla handball. Fabregas was candid about the incident, admitting that from his initial view, it “looked like a clear penalty.” He later stated that professionals who understood the rules better had informed him it was not, due to Milla’s arm not moving towards the ball. Fabregas conceded that Como were fortunate on that occasion.
The Como coach emphasised the importance of the victory, especially given the challenges of playing numerous away games and the demanding fixture list. He stressed the need for a strong work culture to navigate periods with games every three or four days, a mentality he believes his team is beginning to grasp.
League Position and Upcoming Fixtures
The win lifts Como to 23 points in the league table, placing them just two points behind Inter and Lazio. This strong position sets the stage for a challenging week ahead. Como are scheduled to face Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday, followed by another significant league encounter against Inter next weekend.
Fabregas is currently managing his squad with several wide players sidelined due to injury, including Assane Diao and Jesús Rodríguez. He noted the importance of one-on-one wingers against low-block defences but affirmed that the team must find alternative solutions without making excuses for missing players.
Praise for Samuele Ricci
Among the individual performances, Fabregas singled out Samuele Ricci for particular praise. He expressed his delight with Ricci’s display, comparing his style of play to Italian legends Francesco Totti and Andrea Pirlo. Fabregas highlighted Ricci’s technique and physical attributes, suggesting he has the potential to become a very strong player in Italy if given further development.