Nesta Takes Aim at Fabregas After Tense Como and Monza Standoff
Cesc Fabregas found himself at the center of unwanted attention after AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta publicly mocked the Como manager following their touchline meeting last season.
The two former midfielders came up against each other in Serie A when Fabregas’ Como faced Nesta’s Monza in 2025, a match that ended in a 1–1 draw. While Fabregas continues to earn plaudits for his rapid rise in management, Nesta has now revisited that encounter with pointed criticism.
Fabregas has built an impressive reputation in a short time. After steering Como to top-flight safety last season, he has taken them further this year, guiding the club into the European conversation. Como currently sit sixth in Serie A, playing proactive and structured football that has drawn widespread praise across Italy.
That progress has not gone unnoticed. Over the past year, Fabregas has been linked with clubs including Chelsea, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. Former Spain teammate Pepe Reina, who spent last season at Como, has described the 38-year-old as a highly qualified and meticulous coach, highlighting his preparation, curiosity, and professional standards.
The praise, however, has not been universal. Nesta, who was in charge of Monza at the time of their meeting, suggested Fabregas struggled to accept the tactical approach he faced. Speaking to DAZN, the Italian icon accused Fabregas of complaining after the draw, claiming the Spaniard criticized Monza’s man-to-man defensive setup.
Nesta framed the issue as a clash of footballing philosophies. He pointed out that different styles exist and argued that results ultimately validate tactical choices. While acknowledging Fabregas’ commitment to attractive football, Nesta implied there is a pattern to his frustration when confronted with systems he dislikes.
The former AC Milan defender went further, delivering a sarcastic closing remark that quickly gained traction. He joked that Fabregas might be better off sending Italian coaches detailed instructions after his lectures, so everyone could play in a way that suits him.
The match itself reflected that tension. Como dominated possession and tempo, while Monza focused on structure and defensive discipline. The game unfolded in a competitive atmosphere, with both sides showing contrasting identities that mirrored their managers’ philosophies.
Chances were limited but meaningful. Como pressed high and circulated the ball with intent, while Monza remained compact and waited for moments to break. Both goals came from periods of sustained pressure, underlining how evenly matched the contest was despite stylistic differences.
In the second half, Como pushed for control, probing for openings, while Monza relied on organization and timely interventions. Neither side could find a decisive breakthrough, and the draw ultimately reflected the balance on the pitch.
Despite the criticism, Fabregas’ trajectory continues upward. Still early in his managerial career, he has already established a clear identity and delivered tangible results. Asked previously about links to AC Milan, he downplayed the speculation and reiterated his focus on Como.
Attention now turns back to the pitch. Como return to Serie A action on Tuesday against bottom-placed Pisa. They sit three points behind fourth-placed Juventus with a game in hand, and a positive result could propel Fabregas’ side deeper into the race for Champions League qualification, ensuring the spotlight on him shows no sign of fading.