Como 1907 are just one win away from landing promotion against the odds with Cesc Fabregas helping pull the strings.
Como 1907 play Modena on Sunday afternoon knowing that three points will secure them promotion to Serie A – an unthinkable situation considering the pain the club have been through.
The Lombardy outfit were last in the top division in 2003 but three consecutive relegations and bankruptcy forced them into Serie D twice.
In 2019, a new consortium purchased the club fronted by Chelsea legend Dennis Wise, now former CEO, with Fabregas and Thierry Henry as minority shareholders.
Now five years later, having been to the depths of Italian football, they are on the cusp of returning to the top after over two decades – with Fabregas leading the charge.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal star took over as interim coach in November 2023 despite having no UEFA Pro coaching license.
At the time, he was handed a special dispensation to fill in as head coach for a month period before a new manager would have to be instated.
Former Crystal Palace assistant Osian Roberts was brought in as caretaker manager until the end of the season – but it appears that Fabregas is still the one calling the shots despite being his No. 2.
And the 37-year-old’s coaching skills have already been praised while he is not afraid to get angry if he needs to be.
Speaking to talkSPORT, journalist Greg Whelan said: “You only need to see a clip that is available on social media of Cesc Fabregas in the Como dressing room applying the hairdryer treatment to his players to know that is actually working.
“I was actually at a game about a month ago. Critical moment, pivotal moment halfway through the second half.
“There was a break in play. He comes out from the dugout, gets all the players around him and imparts a message.
“That tells you all you need to know about what the dynamics are there.”
During his short stint in charge, Como lost just once – winning three out of five games as they flew up the table.
Now under Roberts and Fabregas, they are four points clear of third-placed Venezia with two games to go.
Another victory would see their promotion secured and Fabregas’ stock rise further as a coach – now he just needs his license.