Fabregas-Led Como Promoted to Serie A in Final Round

Como are back in Serie A after an over 20-year absence. They held onto the two-point lead they had over Venezia heading into the final matchday on Friday. After trailing for a decent chunk of the game, they shared the spoils with Cosenza, while their competitors eventually lost to Spezia on the road. Their last season in the top flight dates back to 2002/2003. They’ll be making their 15th appearance.

The Lariani completed their journey back to the top echelon after failing to register to a league, basically going bankrupt, twice In their recent era, in 2004 and 2016. They actually have one of the wealthiest ownerships in Italy now. The Indonesian conglomerate Djarum, which belongs to the Hartono family, took them over in 2019. Forbes ranked them 71st in their billionaires list in 2023. Thierry Henry also has a stake in the outfit. He and Jamie Vardy were in the stands in the season finale.

Despite that, Como has had a regular progression rather than splurging their way to promotions. The acquisition of Gabriel Strefezza from Lecce was a rare big-money deal, relatively speaking.

The Biancoblù are managed by Osian Roberts and Cesc Fabregas. The latter is technically the head coach but has to be accompanied by a veteran since he doesn’t have the license yet. He started managing their youth team after finishing his career with them. He was elevated after Moreno Longo was sacked after 13 rounds.

Como are the second promoted team after Parma. Venezia, Cremonese, Catanzaro, Palermo, Sampdoria, Sampdoria, and Brescia will participate in the playoffs to determine the third and final one.