Cesc Fabregas commits to Como project, rules out Italy job for now
Cesc Fabregas has reaffirmed his commitment to Como, stating a move away from the Serie A-bound club is "very difficult" and dismissing the idea of taking charge of the Italian national team in the near future. The head coach made the comments in Rome on Thursday after receiving the prestigious Enzo Bearzot National Award, becoming the first foreign recipient of the honour.
Fabregas, who guided Como to promotion from Serie B this season, expressed a deep connection to the club's project. "I am very attached to this project and this club for me is a family," he said. While acknowledging that in football one can "never say never," he explained that he had explored opportunities with other societies last year but ultimately chose to stay. His immediate focus remains on daily coaching, which led him to play down links to the Italy managerial position, suggesting international management would currently be "a bit boring" for him.
The award ceremony also honoured former England and Juventus manager Fabio Capello with a lifetime achievement prize. Capello used his platform to praise Fabregas's impact on Italian football. "Fabregas in three years has done very beautiful things, fantastic work, from B to A, he is a serious and important protagonist," Capello said. He highlighted the stylistic innovation Fabregas has brought, noting, "He plays with great simplicity, plays fast and tries to go vertical, something we have lost. His possession is about going forward."
Fabregas's coaching career began with a player-coach role at Como before he fully retired from playing and took the managerial reins. His rapid success in securing promotion has made him one of the most discussed young coaches in Europe. The award from the US Acli, in collaboration with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), recognises this achievement and, according to organisation president Damiano Lembo, aims to celebrate "innovation and merit at the same time."
The event at the CONI Hall of Honour was attended by several Italian sports dignitaries, including CONI president Luciano Buonfiglio and LND president Giancarlo Abete. Other awards were presented, including the Stefano Farina award to referee Marco Guida. Young referee Valentina Zamburro, who was assaulted during an Under-17 match in February, was also honoured for her resilience, stating her determination to return to officiating.
With his future now publicly settled, Fabregas can fully concentrate on preparing Como for their top-flight return. The challenge will be substantial, as he aims to implement his progressive, vertical style of play against Serie A's established teams. His commitment provides stability for a club embarking on its most important season in decades, with the young coach at the heart of its ambitious project.
