Cesc Fabregas was full of praise for his Como side following their impressive 3-2 victory over Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, a team the Spanish manager regards as ‘one of the best in Europe’, Soccernet.football reports.
The unexpected triumph on Tuesday night at the Gewiss Stadium marked Como’s first Serie A win of the season, lifting them out of the relegation zone.
Atalanta, reigning Europa League champions, took the lead in the first half through Davide Zappacosta.
However, Como responded emphatically in the second half, scoring three times within 12 minutes. Gabriel Strefezza, Alieu Fadera, and a Sead Kolasinac own goal sealed the win for Fabregas’ men, while a late penalty from Ademola Lookman only served as a consolation for the home side.
After the match, Fabregas expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance.
“We played a good game, we created a lot of chances, and we managed to put them under pressure,” he told DAZN as per TMW.
“We prepared the game hoping to hurt one of the best teams in Europe. They are a Champions League team. I had belief, and today I feel it even more. When you come here and put in a performance like that, it is really nice and gives you a lot of confidence.”
Fabregas highlighted the tactical preparation that led to the victory, emphasising the importance of personality in his squad.
“I’m happy with everything. We deserved even more. We worked on tactics and technique, but I ask the boys, more than anything, to have personality. I felt for them because the results haven’t come yet, despite our best efforts,” he added.
The Spanish coach went on to explain how Como managed to outwit Atalanta.
“We caused difficulties for Kolasinac with Strefezza and on the other side through Alberto Moreno’s runs. They go man-to-man but had difficulty with our dribbling. We played vertically to try and exploit the depth. We did well in the game. We’re all working well together. This is just the beginning.”
The win saw Como rise to 15th place in Serie A, with five points from five matches, giving Fabregas’ side a vital confidence boost in their bid to stay clear of relegation.