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The Italian underdogs, who were in Serie D only five years ago, achieved promotion to the top division with a 1-1 draw against Cosenza on the final day of the Serie B season. Como joined Parma in achieving automatic promotion to the top flight, and a number of prominent figures attended their spectacular celebrations. Cesc Fabregas is extensively linked with the Italian team, serving as assistant coach and a stakeholder alongside Thierry Henry.

Henry was in attendance for the game and was overjoyed when he witnessed the Italians clinch their place in the top division. Chelsea veteran Dennis Wise, who serves as an adviser to the Como board, was also in attendance. Osian Roberts, a former assistant to Wales manager Chris Coleman and Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, is the club’s head of development and caretaker manager, encouraging the team to success alongside Fabregas. Also in attendance was Leicester’s Jamie Vardy, who was invited to Como’s final game of the season via video call with Wise during the Foxes’ own promotion celebrations.

Now, the modest Lake Como team will be rubbing shoulders with Italy’s football elite. The route to Serie A has not been easy, with the Italian side previously on the brink of extinction. Como, who had been bankrupt and relegated several times, was taken over by kosua Puni Essien, the wife of ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien, in 2017 before being admitted to Serie D for the 2017/18 season under their new identity, Como 1907. Como 1907 was promoted from Serie D in 2019 and became professional that year, eventually winning Serie C in 2021.

After two seasons in Serie B, Como consolidated their position by finishing 13th in 2023. And they have already earned the most stunning promotion to the top flight, where they will compete for the first time since 2003.