Como, a rising star in Italian football, may face an unexpected challenge in the UEFA Champions League this season. The club could be restricted to naming just 16 to 17 players on its matchday squad list, according to UEFA regulations.
This limitation stems from Article 31 of UEFA’s rules, which permits clubs to register only 17 non-locally trained players in their A-list squads. The remaining eight spots must be filled by footballers developed within the country. For Cesc Fàbregas, who has built his team around an international recruitment strategy, this poses a significant hurdle.
Local development remains a work in progress for Como
«The UEFA squad list restrictions are a reality we must face,» Fàbregas explained during a late July press conference. «Without a fully operational academy meeting UEFA’s standards, we’re forced to rely on a smaller pool of eligible players. Developing homegrown talent is a long-term process—one that can’t be rushed in two or three years.»
Ironically, Como boasts one of Serie A’s youngest squads, with an average age of just 26. Yet, the club’s lack of a high-performance youth academy means it must adapt its transfer strategy to comply with regulations.
Summer transfers offer limited solutions
During the summer transfer window, Como completed five signings, but only one was an Italian player—Mattia Liberali, a striker acquired from Catanzaro for €6 million. While Fàbregas and his staff are reassessing their recruitment approach, the club’s future in the Champions League may hinge on an unexpected source: its emerging youth talent.
Among the standout youngsters is Riccardo Cassano, a midfielder who has already caught the eye of scouts after shining with Como’s U17s and making appearances with the senior team last season. His development could prove crucial in navigating the club’s squad limitations.