Fabregas: ‘Como came close to Inter victory before, Arteta inspirational’

Cesc Fabregas feels Como are facing ‘the strongest team in Italy’ and can get a result against Inter, having ‘come close three times,’ while Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta was impressed by the 9-1 victory at Lens.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

This is no longer just a battle for the top four, but a true Scudetto showdown, as Como have gone from strength to strength even with the added strain of Champions League football.

In fact, their European adventures boosted confidence even more, especially the historic 9-1 success away to RC Lens.

“It feels like every week you ask me about a new test of our maturity,” smiled Fabregas in his press conference.

“We knew this season would be special for us, there is so much motivation, but we know our path. This is an important match, we are coming off good form, but it is only a test to see where we can go. Inter remain the strongest team in Italy, we’ll see our level later.”

Although Como are giant-killers, they have never managed to beat Inter, including in last season’s Coppa Italia semi-final.

“We came close three times, but when Inter raise the bar, they become too strong for everyone. We need to play our football, do our thing, without anxiety or pressure. After this match, we’ll see where we are.”

Trevoh Chalobah is close to a full recovery, but “it’s not worth the risk,” so he remains out with Moise Kean, Assane Diao, Jesus Rodriguez and Jayden Addai.

“I never stop learning from the best. The victory over Lens can happen once, if we’re lucky, in our lives, but Inter are the reigning Champions of Italy, won the Coppa Italia, played two Champions League Finals. Who knows, tomorrow we might pull a surprise with the perfect performance.”

Como were criticised for not having any Italian players last season, so with the pressure of the Champions League lists too, have tried to correct that.

It is paying off, with Mattia Liberali and 17-year-old youth talent Riccardo Cassano receiving senior Italy call-ups for the Nations League.

“I am very happy for Liberali, but the Cassano news was surprising, it shows Roberto Mancini wants to really go forward with youth. We coaches must help young players, be close to them and not put too much pressure on. Faith in your players is fundamental in football.”

Como didn’t have a youth academy in Serie C, but they are building it and the first talent to emerge is Matteo Papaccioli, who scored his debut Champions League goal midweek.

“When I took over the team in Serie B, they told me there was an Under-16 kid doing really well. He is so dynamic, has a strong mentality and hunger, I like players like this,” explained Fabregas.

“He had a serious injury that slowed his progress, but this is why I urge players to be ready and take every opportunity to show what they can do. Against Lens, I had to rest Douvikas at 6-0 up and told Papa to go and take centre-stage.”

That 9-1 victory was also watched by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was impressed with the remarkable performance.

“I know Mikel very well, the day Mirwan Suwarso asked me to take the Como job, I called him and said I don’t know if I’m ready. He gave me important advice, which was to take the opportunity, even if I had doubts,” revealed Fabregas.

“Arteta sets a great example for all of us for what he is building at Arsenal. The patience shown by the club, even when there were moments of tension and he was eighth in the table, that is what we need too. I see him as inspiration for what we want to do in football.”

Fabregas was asked if he feels that he has improved as a coach in the last couple of years.

“It depends. If I deal with results better, absolutely not, but I do feel I’ve grown in my ability to prepare for and read games. Plus I haven’t been booked for dissent yet!

“Playing every three days changed my life, it helped me see things with the right balance. After Frosinone, Roma and Feyenoord, some had doubts, but winning six games won’t change my opinion any more than those setbacks did.

“We want to become a great team, with humility and keeping our feet on the ground. Remember, we’ve had great performances against Inter, but they win with details, including talent like Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu and Marcus Thuram. I wouldn’t change what I did,” concluded Fabregas.