Mattia Liberali joins Como as Cesc Fabregas maps out midfield role

Italian midfielder Mattia Liberali has signed for Serie B club Como. The 17‑year‑old, a product of AC Milan’s youth system, arrived after a season with Catanzaro and previous experience in Milan’s Primavera. Liberali has featured for Italy’s U‑19, U‑20 and was part of the U‑17 European‑champion side in 2024.

Como’s head coach, former Spanish international Cesc Fabregas, said he sees Liberali as a creative option to complement winger Nico Paz. Fabregas outlined several possible deployments – from a left‑inverted winger in a 4‑2‑3‑1 to a central attacking midfielder or even a third‑centre‑back in a flexible system. The signing also helps Como satisfy UEFA squad‑list requirements for Italian‑born players as the club pursues promotion and a possible Champions League spot.

Liberali is praised for his technical ability in tight spaces, goal‑creation and work‑rate, traits that Fabregas believes will aid the team’s buildup in the final third. While he is unlikely to start immediately due to competition in midfield, the club expects him to grow into a regular role during the season.