Como's Possession Dominance Ends in Goalless Frustration Against Atalanta
For the second time in under three weeks, Cesc Fàbregas faced the media to explain a result that defied logic. His Como side played out a 0-0 draw at home to Atalanta on Sunday, despite commanding a staggering 79% of possession and attempting 28 shots. This followed a similar pattern to their 3-1 loss to Milan last month, where they made significantly more passes but came away empty-handed.
Record-Breaking Expected Goals Figure Highlights Missed Opportunities
According to Opta, Como registered 5.24 expected goals (xG) in the match – the second-highest total by any Serie A team in a shut-out since the company began tracking such data 15 years ago. This astonishing statistic came against an Atalanta side that finished third last season and had taken 13 points from their previous five games.
The match was shaped by an early red card for Atalanta's Honest Ahanor in the eighth minute, after an off-the-ball incident with Máximo Perrone. Within ten minutes, Atalanta had withdrawn centre-forward Gianluca Scamacca, settling into a defensive low block. Como, under Fàbregas, needed no invitation to camp in the opposition half.
Fàbregas Defends Como's Distinct Playing Philosophy
Fàbregas has faced criticism for his team's predictable, possession-heavy approach, particularly after the Milan defeat. He defended his philosophy, stating: "[As a player] I won with Antonio Conte, I won with [José] Mourinho, I won with [Arsène] Wenger, I won with [Pep] Guardiola. I won with every different style of play."
He emphasised that the club's ownership specifically requested a front-footed style when he arrived, saying: "They didn't say: 'Win, win, win.' They said: 'Win, but create an identity, create a specific kind of player who would want to come and play in Como.'" By this measure, Fàbregas has succeeded, with Como establishing one of the clearest footballing brands in Serie A.
Young Talent Flourishing in Como's System
Despite the frustration of Sunday's result, Como's commitment to developing young talent continues to bear fruit. Nico Paz, 21, has attracted significant attention with eight goals and six assists this season, though his extraordinary pitch awareness transcends statistics. Álvaro Morata has even suggested he would play for free next season if the club can retain the Argentinian.
Other young players are thriving in Paz's orbit. Máximo Perrone, 23, and Lucas Da Cunha, 24, have formed a consistently excellent midfield partnership, while 21-year-old Jacobo Ramón distributes exceptionally from defence. Croatia international Martin Baturina, 22, enjoyed a swaggering January with three goals and three assists in four games, and was excellent again on Sunday.
Missed Chances and Penalty Heartbreak
Como created numerous opportunities throughout the match. Baturina set up Tasos Douvikas multiple times, while Douvikas himself served Paz inside the box, but Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi proved unbeatable, making crucial saves including one from Ramón just before half-time.
The biggest heartbreak came in the 95th minute when Como were awarded a penalty after a VAR review for handball by Giorgio Scalvini. Paz stepped up but saw his tame spot-kick saved – his third missed penalty in Serie A this season. The young Argentinian left the pitch in tears.
Fàbregas's Unwavering Support for Young Players
Fàbregas defended Paz strongly post-match, stating: "I'm not going to kill a kid for a penalty. I've missed them, Leo Messi has missed them, John Terry has missed them. We stand with Nico, we stand with young players who have the courage to try to make the difference."
He revealed that Da Cunha would normally have taken the penalty but had been substituted, and Paz took responsibility himself. "Nico made the decision to take it himself because he is a champion and if you want to achieve important things in football then you need to take on responsibility," Fàbregas added.
European Ambitions Remain Alive Despite Setback
Despite the frustration, Como remain sixth in Serie A, on course for Europa League qualification and still in contention for a top-four finish. With a Coppa Italia quarter-final against Napoli approaching, Fàbregas's side continue to demonstrate that their distinctive approach can compete at the highest level.
The match reinforced Fàbregas's argument that teams can lose – or draw – playing any style of football. While Como haven't yet found the formula to convert dominance into victories against top opponents, their progress suggests they're moving closer to that breakthrough.
