The Serie A underdogs that can qualify for Europe this season | OneFootball

Although Como were among the highest spenders in the last two transfer windows in Serie A, they remain underdogs in the race for a European spot this term.

When Cesc Fabregas’ Como returned to Serie A last season, the Azzurri had not played in Italy’s top flight for 21 years.

Fast forward to the summer of 2025, the once-small Italian team has invested more than €200m across the two most recent transfer windows, filling the squad with players suiting the coach’s idea of football.

Como made their 2025-26 Serie A debut on Saturday, beating Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio at the Stadio Sinigaglia with a stunning performance from Nico Paz, by far their best player since last season.

COMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Argentine, a product of the Real Madrid academy, scored a goal and provided one spectacular assist to inspire his team’s victory. Como’s strong start to the season seems to have convinced Serie A and free slots enthusiasts that, if there’s a team that may give a surprising push in the race for a European spot, it’s the Azzurri.

Fabregas has welcomed many young and experienced players to the squad this summer. Alvaro Morata surely is the most well-known new signing around the lake, but other young players are already starting to impress.

MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 14: Jacobo Ramon of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Mallorca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 14, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Among them is another product of the Real Madrid academy, Jacobo Ramon, a promising centre-back who put in a fantastic performance on his Serie A debut.

“Last year, he only played some games with the Real Madrid youth team, but I hope that he’ll ask me questions like today also under challenging situations,” Fabregas said after Sunday’s game.

“Their hunger and desire to learn make me happy to work with them. There’s still room for improvement; we must keep our feet on the ground and restart with a crucial match against Bologna.”

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks o during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Naturally, Fabregas also commented on Nico Paz’s stunning free-kick goal and could not be more impressed.

“He’s been practising non-stop since the start of the pre-season. In the end, hard work pays off. Today, he gave us a decisive goal, but not only that,” added the Spaniard.

“When it came to attacking one-on-one, he also provided an assist that earned us another three points. These boys are hungry, eager to learn, and improve themselves every day. For me, it’s a privilege to guide them.”

Como finished 10th in their first Serie A season in 21 years in 2024-25, but there are hints they may achieve even more this term. The early signs are promising indeed.