Fabregas: Como's Italian young players are progressing

Cesc Fabregas, who says Como's youth system already reflects the Italian identity the club expects from its first team, said he was pleased that eight Italian players started in the Youth League win over Manchester United. Como's under-19 squad for the United match included 16 Italian players. This picture matches the first team's 4-1 Champions League win.

At a press conference ahead of Saturday's Serie A match, Fabregas said the young players had arrived, were strong, and had adopted the style of play the club wants to bring to the first team. The Spanish coach stressed that the players understood the way the team plays and were doing good work.

Club president Mirwan Suwarso said this week that, following the model of Athletic Club, they aim one day to field a team made up entirely of Italians, ideally from Lombardy.

Fabregas argued that keeping the squad small helps young players come through. He said that a large squad would not require pulling players up from the academy, and that this system allows Cassano, Pisati and Baralla to get chances and brings back Papaccioli. He admitted he has struggled to find minutes for Samuele Ricci, who recently joined from Milan, but said Ricci trains at a high level and his chance will come. Fabregas praised Ricci's humble and hardworking attitude.