Cesc Fabregas Cites Pride and Long-Term Vision After Como’s Narrow Italian Cup Semi-Final Exit to Inter Milan

Cesc Fabregas reflects on Como's 3-2 loss to Inter Milan, emphasizing pride in his young squad's development and long-term growth.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 4:27 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

A Tactical Battle Defined by Experience

In the aftermath of an intense semi-final clash at the San Siro, Como manager Cesc Fabregas offered a composed reflection on his team’s narrow elimination from the Italian Cup. While Como led twice during the encounter, a second-half strike from Hakan Calhanoglu shifted the momentum in favor of the Nerazzurri. Fabregas noted that the disparity in experience was a decisive factor, pointing out that Inter Milan’s core squad has been playing together for over six years. Despite the 3-2 final score, the manager remained calm, asserting that his team played with the pride and tactical discipline required to compete at the highest level of Italian football.

The Remarkable Ascent of the Larian Club

Fabregas placed the defeat in a broader historical context, reminding critics of the significant progress Como has made in a remarkably short timeframe. He noted that just two years ago, the club lacked its own training fields, making their presence in a major semi-final a testament to the rapid infrastructure and sporting development overseen by the current ownership. While he expressed frustration over the result, he contrasted his current mood with the genuine anger he felt following a poor league performance against Sassuolo earlier in the week, stating that the effort shown against Inter was beyond reproach.

Lessons from the Elite Coaching Tier

Drawing inspiration from legendary managerial figures, Fabregas referenced Jürgen Klopp’s early career struggles to illustrate that success in football often requires patience and resilience. He reminded his squad that even the best coaches in history faced multiple final losses before achieving silverware. By comparing his young players—many of whom are under the age of 23—to an Inter Milan roster comprised almost entirely of established internationals, Fabregas aimed to alleviate the pressure on his group. He emphasized that he does not blame his players for the outcome, but rather views it as a necessary step in their collective professional growth.