For the second occasion in under a month, Cesc Fàbregas was left attempting to rationalise a footballing paradox. His Como side produced a staggering display of ball dominance against Atalanta on Sunday, commanding 79% of possession and unleashing 28 shots, yet the match concluded in a bewildering 0-0 stalemate. This followed a similar narrative from their 3-1 loss to Milan, where overwhelming pass counts failed to translate into a positive result.
A Statistically Baffling Shut-Out
The analytics from the encounter are nothing short of extraordinary. According to Opta, Como registered an expected goals (xG) figure of 5.24 during the match. This represents the second-highest xG tally recorded by any Serie A team in a goalless draw since the company began tracking this data fifteen years ago. This remarkable statistic was achieved against an Atalanta side that finished third last season and had been in formidable form, collecting thirteen points from their preceding five fixtures.
Early Red Card Shapes the Contest
The dynamic of the game was altered decisively in the eighth minute. Atalanta's Honest Ahanor was shown a straight red card following an off-the-ball incident with Máximo Perrone, appearing to throw a hand towards the Argentinian's face. Perrone made the most of the contact, and in the modern VAR era, such indiscretions are seldom overlooked. Within ten minutes, Atalanta withdrew centre-forward Gianluca Scamacca, signalling their intent to retreat into a deep, defensive block.
This tactical withdrawal played directly into Como's established philosophy. Under Fàbregas, the team is predisposed to establishing camp in the opposition's half, a style the manager has been tasked to implement by the club's ownership. "On the day I arrived," Fàbregas recalled after a previous defeat, "the club talked to me about Lake Como, lifestyle, people who want to see a front-footed play-style. That's what I was asked for. They said: 'Win, but create an identity.'"
Forging a Clear Footballing Identity
By that specific metric, Fàbregas has undoubtedly succeeded. Como now boasts one of the most distinct and recognisable footballing brands in Italy's top flight. The club's strategy has focused on recruiting technically gifted players comfortable in possession, enabling them to control matches and dictate terms against virtually any opponent. Even in their most heavy defeat this season, a 4-0 loss to Inter, they managed more shots and nearly 60% of the ball.
It is worth noting that this is not a fairytale rise from nothing. The club is backed by the billionaire Hartono brothers and has invested over €200 million in transfer fees since promotion in 2024. However, their return in terms of a cohesive and attractive style of play exceeds that of many European clubs with greater financial outlays.
The Young Core Driving Como's Ambition
The team is not only defined by its style but also by the youth entrusted to execute it. While 21-year-old Nico Paz garners most headlines for his eight goals and six assists, his influence extends beyond numbers to an exceptional spatial awareness. Álvaro Morata has even quipped he would play for free next season if the club can retain the Argentinian.
Other young talents are flourishing in Paz's orbit. The midfield partnership of 23-year-old Máximo Perrone and 24-year-old club captain Lucas Da Cunha has become brilliantly consistent. In defence, 21-year-old Jacobo Ramón is an exceptional distributor, and 22-year-old Croatian international Martin Baturina is enjoying a scintillating January, with three goals and three assists in his last four games prior to this match.
Missed Opportunities and Penalty Heartbreak
Baturina was instrumental again on Sunday, creating several chances for Tasos Douvikas. He pressed relentlessly, turning over possession in the 12th minute to set up a chance, and later delivered a superb through-ball from the centre circle to send Douvikas through, only for the shot to be saved by Marco Carnesecchi. The Atalanta goalkeeper was in inspired form, repeatedly denying Como, including a first-half stop to thwart Ramón from a corner.
Atalanta reorganised at half-time, introducing Raoul Bellanova, and proved more resilient after the break, even threatening on the counter through Kamaldeen Sulemana. Yet Como's pressure was unrelenting. Morata headed a chance straight at Carnesecchi, and Ramón's exasperation was palpable after another powerful near-post effort was miraculously kept out.
The drama peaked in the 95th minute when a VAR review awarded Como a penalty for a Giorgio Scalvini handball. The responsibility fell to Nico Paz, but his spot-kick was weak and aimed without conviction at the bottom left corner, allowing Carnesecchi to make a final, decisive save. It was Paz's third failed penalty attempt in Serie A this season, and he left the pitch in tears.
Fàbregas's Unwavering Support for His Protégés
Fàbregas was quick to defend his young star. "I'm not going to kill a kid for a penalty," he stated firmly. "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 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."
Looking Ahead with Ambition
This ethos of self-belief and responsibility is central to Fàbregas's project. While frustration at another missed opportunity for a statement win was evident, the broader picture remains positive. Como sit sixth in Serie A, firmly in contention for a Europa League spot and still within reach of the top four. As Fàbregas has argued, you can drop points playing any style of football. While Como are yet to unlock the formula for victory in these pivotal encounters, their performances suggest they are edging closer. With a Coppa Italia quarter-final against Napoli on the horizon, their thrilling, possession-based journey continues to capture the imagination.
