In a historic encounter at Gewiss Stadium, Cesc Fabregas’s Como secured 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 strength, with three goals scored in an electrifying 12-minute stretch that turned the game in their favor against a tough Atalanta side.
“It’s incredible to lead this team to such a monumental victory,” Fabregas said after the match on Tuesday night, reflecting on the significance of the win for the club.
Fabregas was appointed Como’s head coach in July 2024, just before their return to Serie A after 21 years. “Como 1907 is excited to confirm that Cesc Fabregas will be head coach of the men’s team on a four-year contract,” the club stated.
The former Spanish international had been assistant to Osian Roberts as Como earned automatic promotion to Serie A last season.
Originally scheduled for Monday evening, the game was postponed to Tuesday due to torrential rain in Bergamo. Both managers, Gian Piero Gasperini and Fabregas, had revealed their starting lineups the previous night but chose not to alter them despite the delay.
Atalanta began the match strongly, with Mateo Retegui testing Como goalkeeper Emil Audero early, before Zappacosta opened the scoring in the 18th minute. After Raoul Bellanova’s corner was cleared, Zappacosta found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a brilliant half-volley, sending the ball into the near corner and the crowd into celebration.
Como’s response was swift. They built momentum, forcing Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi into action with a couple of saves, including a close effort from Patrick Cutrone.
Sergi Roberto also came close, with a shot expertly saved. By the end of the first half, Como had registered five shots, three on target, compared to Atalanta’s two, signaling their growing confidence.
The visitors equalized just 20 seconds after the break, with a clever flick from Sergi Roberto finding Gabriel Strefezza, who smashed the ball past Carnesecchi to reignite Como’s hopes.
Como took the lead in the 52nd minute when Nico Paz’s long-range strike took a deflection off Sead Kolasinac, resulting in an own goal.
Two minutes later, Paz delivered a perfectly weighted pass over the top to Alieu Fadera, who controlled it smoothly and bent the ball into the net, extending Como’s lead to 3-1.
Atalanta fought back, maintaining pressure on Como and pulling one back in the seventh minute of injury time when debutant Vanja Vlahovic won a penalty, which Ademola Lookman converted to make it 3-2. However, it was too late, and Como held on for a memorable win.
Final score: Atalanta 2-3 Como
Goals:
Zappacosta (A) 18′
Strefezza (C) 46′
Kolasinac OG (C) 52′
Fadera (C) 54′
Lookman (A) 90+9′
This victory underlines Como’s potential under Fabregas’s leadership and marks a major milestone for a club that has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
After five games in the 2024/25 season, Atalanta sits 12th with six points, while Como is in 15th with five points.
Como’s spirited performance and tactical discipline will provide a much-needed boost as they pursue a successful Serie A campaign.
