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Capello: Como talent Diao outshines Leao, but I don’t get Fabregas

Former AC Milan manager Fabio Capello praised Como 1907 striker Assane Diao as technically superior to Rafael Leao, saying Diao’s performances were "better on a technical level". Capello made the comparison after watching Como’s 4‑1 win over RB Leipzig in the first round of the Champions League, a result that made the club the only Serie A side to secure a victory in that stage. While admiring Diao, the ex‑coach admitted he did not understand the midfield "circle" ritual that Como manager Cesc Fabregas performs after every match, describing it as a "show" rather than a tactical gesture. Capello described Como as "a joy to watch", noting their attacking style, collective effort and constant pressing, and said they are the team he enjoys watching most. The comments came as Como prepare to face Parma in their next Serie A fixture, following a Champions League win that left Inter, Real Madrid and Roma with two defeats and one draw. Capello’s remarks highlight the growing competitiveness of Como in Europe and the differing philosophies of their manager compared to traditional Italian coaching styles.

· Football Italia

The essential points

  1. 01Capello declares Como striker Assane Diao technically better than Rafael Leao after a 4‑1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig.
  2. 02He criticises Cesc Fabregas’s post‑match "circle" ritual, calling it a show rather than a tactical move.
  3. 03Capello praises Como’s attacking play, collective effort and constant pressing, calling them "a joy to watch".
  4. 04The club is the only Serie A side to win a Champions League first‑round match, leaving Inter, Real Madrid and Roma with two defeats and one draw.
The full brief

Former AC Milan manager Fabio Capello praised Como 1907 striker Assane Diao as technically superior to Rafael Leao, saying Diao’s performances were "better on a technical level". Capello made the comparison after watching Como’s 4‑1 win over RB Leipzig in the first round of the Champions League, a result that made the club the only Serie A side to secure a victory in that stage. While admiring Diao, the ex‑coach admitted he did not understand the midfield "circle" ritual that Como manager Cesc Fabregas performs after every match, describing it as a "show" rather than a tactical gesture.

Capello described Como as "a joy to watch", noting their attacking style, collective effort and constant pressing, and said they are the team he enjoys watching most. The comments came as Como prepare to face Parma in their next Serie A fixture, following a Champions League win that left Inter, Real Madrid and Roma with two defeats and one draw. Capello’s remarks highlight the growing competitiveness of Como in Europe and the differing philosophies of their manager compared to traditional Italian coaching styles.