Cesc Fabregas Best Coach, Nico Paz Best Young Player of the 2025-26 Italian League.

Cesc Fabregas has received major recognition for his sensational achievements with Como 1907. The former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder was named 2025-26 Serie A Coach of the Year at the Gran Gala del Calcio AIC event held at Teatro alla Scala, Milan.

This award marked the peak of Como's remarkable season. Under Fabregas' leadership, the Lombardy club secured a place in the UEFA Champions League for the very first time in the club's history, after closing out the Serie A campaign in fourth position.

In the 2025-26 Serie A Coach of the Year voting, Fabregas competed against Cristian Chivu and Gian Piero Gasperini. This accolade was awarded to the Spanish head coach in recognition of his outstanding work with Como.

For Fabregas, this honour is far more than just an individual trophy; it is also validation for the coaching project he has built.

From Como Player to Architect of Success

Fabregas is no stranger to Como. After retiring from professional football with the club in 2023, he first joined the coaching staff before working his way up to the position of head coach.

In a relatively short space of time, Fabregas transformed Como from a newly promoted Serie A side into a force capable of disrupting the dominance of Italy's traditional elite clubs.

In their first season back in the top flight, Como finished in 10th place: a solid result for a club only just returned to the highest division. But Fabregas was not satisfied with this achievement.

The following season, Como made a massive leap forward, ending the campaign in fourth position.

This ranking delivered a reward that no one had previously dared to imagine: a ticket to the UEFA Champions League.

This upcoming season, Como are preparing for their European debut, where they will play eight matches in the league phase of the competition.

Turning Como Into a Fearless Side

One of the core strengths of Fabregas' Como is his bold approach to building a team with a clear, distinct playing identity.

His experience as a creative playmaker during his playing career heavily influences his tactical approach. Fabregas has instilled courage in his side, prioritising possession football rather than merely sitting back to defend for results.

He has also given significant opportunities to young players, with Nico Paz emerging as the most standout example.

The Argentine has developed into one of the central figures of Fabregas' project, and was also awarded 2025-26 Serie A Young Player of the Year at the same Gran Gala del Calcio AIC ceremony.

Paz embodies how Fabregas successfully balances individual player development with the collective needs of the team.

Last season, the creative playmaker registered 12 goals and 7 assists in Serie A. Paz's rise has further cemented Como's identity as a side built around creative, brave attacking football.

Como Challenging Italy's Elite

Como's fourth place finish is not just a number on the league table. It is a signal that the project they are building has progressed far faster than anyone initially expected.

Italy's traditional big clubs can no longer look at Como as an afterthought. The side once dismissed as just another Serie A newcomer will now compete against some of the biggest clubs across Europe.

Notably, Como was also nominated for the Serie A Club of the Year award, which was ultimately won by Inter.

A New Challenge: The UEFA Champions League

This award arrives as Fabregas faces the biggest challenge of his coaching career to date.

Como will make their Champions League debut in the 2026-27 season. Fabregas will lead his squad against Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, RB Leipzig and AEK Athens at home, alongside away fixtures against Barcelona, Real Betis, Feyenoord and Lens.

No longer will he only be tasked with keeping Como among Italy's top sides; he now must compete against clubs with decades of experience at the highest level of European football.