Fabregas: ‘Como problems more about character than tactics’ | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas warns that Como’s problems are ‘more about character than tactics,’ but he also hopes the return of injured players can boost them against Roma.

It kicks off at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Como are without a victory since September 29, managing four draws in the last nine rounds, but at least they are unbeaten in two after draws against Monza and Venezia.

“We have conceded too many goals, but the strange thing is that we don’t allow the opposition that many chances, yet we concede a lot,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia.

“You can’t blame bad luck in those situations, we need more hunger to keep a clean sheet and it’s more about character than tactics.”

Fabregas getting Como players back

epa11765514 Como’s Andrea Belotti in action against Venezia’s Antonio Candela during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Venezia FC and Como 1907 at the Pier Luigi Penzo stadium in Venice, Italy, 08 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Ettore Griffoni

The only change from the starting XI that faced Venezia last week is Federico Barba as a makeshift left-back, as both Alberto Moreno and Marco Sala are injured.

The injury crisis is beginning to calm down, as Luca Mazzitelli and Sergi Roberto are back on the bench.

“I don’t like to talk about these things, but the team was doing really well when we were at 100 per cent, then we had a lot of injuries that penalised us. Now we are only missing Alberto Moreno, Sala and Maxi Perrone,” added Fabregas.

“The heart of the team was torn out with injuries. Now we must gradually try to rediscover that sensation of being united and playing like we did in the early weeks.”

Andrea Belotti is chosen instead of Patrick Cutrone as the centre-forward and he is facing his former club, having struggled to make an impact at Roma.

“He is a strong player, it’s not news. He did well leading the line and helping the defence against Venezia, but he also scored a goal and that is not to be underestimated. If points were granted for possession, we’d be in the top four!” smiled Fabregas.

“That is again the problem, we create lots of chances and don’t score enough, we don’t allow the opponents many opportunities and yet we concede a great deal.”