Como played their first pre-season friendly of the summer on Thursday, drawing 2-2 with ambitious Ligue 1 side Paris FC at the Stadio Sinigaglia. Cesc Fabregas used three 45-minute periods to rotate his squad, handing debuts to new signings and giving minutes to young prospects.
Alessandro Gabrielloni opened the scoring in the first period, converting a cross from Alieu Kuhn on the right flank. The striker, returning from a loan spell at Juve Stabia, continues his remarkable journey having scored for Como in every division from Serie D to Serie A.
Paris FC, owned by the wealthy Arnault family, turned the match around through Pablo Pagis, who scored twice either side of the first and second periods. The French forward's brace appeared to set the Ligue 1 side up for victory.
However, substitute Tasos Douvikas had other ideas. The Greek striker produced his trademark clinical finish with four minutes remaining to snatch a draw. Douvikas once again proved lethal despite having been quiet in open play — the kind of predatory instinct that makes him a valuable weapon off the bench.
Sixteen-year-old Riccardo Cassano (born 2009) was a standout performer, displaying remarkable composure and personality in midfield when introduced in the final period. The youngster did not look out of place against senior opposition.
Several new signings made their first appearances for the club. Andres Cuenca, the 18-year-old centre-back signed from Barcelona, started and showed versatility by also covering at left-back. Luis Milla, the experienced Spanish midfielder from Getafe, provided thrust from midfield and took charge of set pieces. Brazilian left-back Kaiki impressed with his relentless running down the flank.
Notably absent were Como's World Cup participants — Nico Paz, Assane Diao, and Martin Baturina — while exciting new arrival Mattia Liberali was rested after his Under-19 European Championship exertions. Alvaro Morata, still regaining fitness and sharpness, also featured in the final period but struggled to find his rhythm.
Former Italy international Ciro Immobile and Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola both featured for Paris FC, adding an Italian flavour to the contest.
Sources
- https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Como/24-07-2026/como-finisce-2-2-l-amichevole-contro-il-paris-fc-a-segno-douvikas-e-gabrielloni.shtml
- https://football-italia.net/como-paris-fc-udinese-swansea-city-friendly/
