The Rise of Como: A Story of Ambition and Investment
Take a glance at the Serie A table, and one team stands out as an unexpected presence in the top four: Como. This is a club that was competing in the fourth tier of Italian football just seven years ago. Before that, they last played in the top flight back in 2003. Now, after promotions in 2019, 2021, and 2024, Como are not only in Serie A but also making a serious push for European qualification.
This story is often framed as an underdog tale, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. At the heart of this transformation is Cesc Fabregas, who retired with Como in 2023 and now leads the club as its manager. Known for his brilliance on the pitch with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea, Fabregas has brought a new level of ambition to Como.
With nine games left this season, Como currently sit fourth in the Serie A table, just behind Milan clubs and defending champions Napoli. A recent win over sixth-placed Roma has further solidified their position, and they are even ahead of fifth-placed Juventus by a point.
While fans love an underdog story, especially in a world where the European Super League was recently rejected, the rise of Como raises questions about the nature of their success. This is not a rags-to-riches story. The club’s owners, the Djarum Group from Indonesia, are a wealthy conglomerate in the tobacco industry, led by brothers Michael and Robert Budi Hartono. Their combined net worth was approximately $35.7 billion before Michael Hartono passed away this week at the age of 86.
For context, Gerry Cardinale, founder of RedBird group (which controls AC Milan), has a net worth of $1.8 billion, while Roma’s owner Dan Friedkin has $10.9 billion, and Juventus’ John Elkann has $2.5 billion. While not all of this wealth directly translates to club spending, it undeniably plays a role in Como’s rapid ascent.
Thierry Henry is also a minority shareholder, alongside Fabregas. The club has invested wisely, focusing on young prospects with potential. The current squad includes players like Nico Paz, Jacobo Ramon, and Maximo Perrone—each under 23. Captain Lucas De Cunha is 24, with some senior figures like Sergi Roberto and Alvaro Morata.
However, one aspect of Como’s squad-building has sparked controversy. They have given only one minute of gametime to any Italian player this season. That was for 35-year-old Edoardo Goldaniga, one of only two Italians in their senior squad, along with goalkeeper Mauro Vigorito.
Fabregas has acknowledged the challenge of finding Italian talent, stating that top Italian players are already signed with bigger clubs. He emphasized the need to invest in youth development, particularly through their Primavera system.
Como also faced scrutiny over Serie A’s plans to stage a fixture in Australia, which were later abandoned. Fabregas opposed the idea, but the club initially supported it, claiming it was necessary for the league’s growth and survival.
Despite these controversies, Como has made significant progress. Their four-game winning streak in Serie A has solidified their status as contenders. A drop-off in quality from teams around them has also helped their chances. Of the nine teams that finished above them last season, more than half are on fewer points now than they were at the same stage last season.
Italian clubs have struggled in Europe this season, with Napoli, Juventus, and Inter all eliminated early. This creates an opportunity for Como to make a stronger push next season.
However, UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules could pose challenges. Unlike the Premier League, Serie A does not have similar regulations. But Como’s long-term strategy and growing revenues suggest they will meet FFP requirements in the coming years.
The club’s transfer activity has been significant, with a net spend in Serie A this season that exceeds twice the second-highest spender. Future financial gains from Real Madrid activating buyback clauses for players like Nico Paz could further bolster their budget.
While players may come and go, Como’s journey is historic. It is not a miracle, but a carefully planned project with ambitious goals. With the right support and continued investment, Como could achieve something truly remarkable.
Bahran Hariz adalah seorang penulis di Media Online IKABARI.
