Serie A

COMO IN BERGAMO FOR THE ROLE OF THE OUTSIDER

Fabregas’ Biancoblù take on Atalanta at the New Balance Arena to surpass them in the league: two ambitious models of growth go head to head,from Atalanta’s pragmatism to the aesthetics of the Lariani.

Atalanta and Como face off on Serie A Enilive matchday six of the Serie A Enilive, in a clash that tells two different, yet similar, stories. On the one hand, there is a side that has revolutionised Italian football in the past decade. On the other hand, there is a side that is one the rise, with clear ideas and big expectations. Just one point separates the teams in the league, with both sides determined to stay in touch with the leading group.

One year ago, Como pulled off a memorable win away to Atalanta, overturning the Bergamaschi within the first 13 minutes of the second half. This season, the Lariani are looking to confirm their first year of adjusting to the top-flight, while Atalanta, under Jurić, are looking for technical consistency following the departure of Gasperini, a task that the Croatian Coach seems to be completing successfully already.

**THE ATALANTA MODEL
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The foundations of the “Atalanta miracle” were laid when the Percassi family took charge of the club: first Antonio, President from 2010, then his son Luca as CEO. Their vision was based on key and precise words: investing in an already fertile Youth Sector - now made stronger by the creation of the Under 23 side -, choosing directors who are able to work in complete synergy with the owners - like Sporting Directors Giovanni Sartori and Tony D’Amico - and building forward looking market strategies. The decisive intuition was in trusting Gian Piero Gasperini, a coach who came off a brilliant three year spell with Genoa, giving him trust, time and the means to work at his best.
The result was a footballing revolution. After a tough start in the 2016/17 season with four defeats in five games, they changed tact; introducing young stars like Spinazzola, Caldara and Gagliardini, foreign talents like Kessié and Freuler alongside their star Papu Gómez. This mix exploded, bringing Atalanta to a surprising fourth place and the Europa League. This marked the dawn of a cycle which was set to define an era lasting nine seasons: three at the back, man-marking, pressing high and the use of wing play - Gasperini’s trademark. This philosophy carried the Dea to the European elite for nearly a decade, reaching its pinnacle with the Europa League win in 2024.

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THE COMO DREAM**

Como’s path has been completely different, almost opposite. While, in Bergamo, the feeling of the Serie A has almost been like home, it became a memory on the shores of Lake Como, caught between tales of past glories and the weight of two bankruptcies in 15 years. The purchase of the club in 2019, by SENT Entertainment, with the Indonesian Businessman Mirwan Suwarso at the helm, marked a turning point. After a quick rise to Serie B, the appointment of a young Coach like Cesc Fàbregas showed a clear direction in the project: a young and hungry Coach who had grown up under the footballing principles of Wenger and Guardiola, capable of bringing a modern and attacking brand of football to Como.
Just like Gasperini in Bergamo, Fàbregas is building a team tailor-made to his vision, though with a different blueprint in mind: defenders comfortable in possession, midfielders concentrated on recycling the ball, and forwards capable of linking up with one another. For Cesc, acceptance of his new tactics goes hand in hand with performances on the pitch, two parallel tracks with little room for compromise. Only two “sons of the lake,” Cutrone and captain Gabrielloni, remain in the squad to preserve a link with tradition. Como’s Serie A debut was built on carefully chosen investments: on one side, established international names such as Reina, Belotti and Sergi Roberto; on the other, talented youngsters to be developed, such as Perrone, Álex Valle and – above all – Nico Paz, the true gem and technical leader of the Lariani. Caqueret and Diao were further reinforcements in January, consolidating the project and helping Como to secure safety with ease, finishing in a remarkable tenth place.

Fàbregas isn’t just chasing victories – he wants to make a statement. His Como is a side built to enthral with elegant football, defined by possession, rhythm and Catalan-style ball circulation. A style designed to enchant and capture attention, bringing the Larian club to the forefront of the European football stage. Atalanta and Como: two clubs growing with ever-greater ambition, two different faces of Lombard football. They are united by vision and shrewd investment, divided by an old local rivalry and contrasting styles: on one side, Bergamasque pragmatism and efficiency; on the other, the allure and aesthetic of Fàbregas’ project. Two distinct paths that now cross, with a shared goal: to remain among the elite of Italian football. (Photo Getty Images + LaPresse)