Advertisement
Fabregas shares how Arsenal vs Como clash will gauge his Italian club
12th August, 2026 10:05 AM
Como FC coach Cesc Fàbregas has described the preseason friendly clash pitting his Italian side against Arsenal as a crucial assessment fixture. The ambitious Italian side will visit the Emirates Stadium this Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for a 10:30 pm kickoff.
Returning to the Emirates Stadium, Como manager Cesc Fàbregas will face the club where he once defined an era as an up-and-coming midfielder after leaving Barcelona’s academy for a chance in England.
Como’s progress and Serie A return
After successful stints in the Premier League with Arsenal and later Chelsea, Fàbregas, who joined Como as a player and later became Como’s manager in July 2024. is now at the helm of an ambitious Italian side making their historic first-ever trip to the UK.
After years in the lower tiers, the club returned to Serie A in 2024 for the first time in 21 years. Following a successful campaign to avoid relegation in their first season back in the top flight, Como produced an even more impressive 2025/26 season, earning qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the very first time in their history.
Facing Arsenal
Fàbregas made his intentions crystal clear, viewing the match as a vital measuring stick for Como’s European ambitions.
“It’s a great challenge for us. It’s a big game and a huge opportunity,” Fàbregas said. “I would say these next matches are a great chance to see where we are and what level we can reach ahead of the Champions League season. Playing in front of 65,000 people, in a great stadium, against top players, and in an incredible atmosphere will be a valuable test for us.”
Beyond personal associations, the fixture marks a monumental milestone for the club. Fàbregas highlighted the immediate and passionate response from the fanbase as soon as the fixture was announced, with thousands of supporters traveling to back the team.
“As a city and as a club, we’re really proud to be able to come here and play a big game like this against Arsenal, a team that has reached a Champions League final and won the Premier League. It is another step in our journey and a great opportunity for everyone,” he stated in an interview with the club.
