Cesc Fabregas likened coaching Como to "going to football university" after a 4-1 win over Cremonese sealed the club's first-ever qualification for the Champions League.

Como entered the final matchday of the Serie A campaign knowing a win at the Stadio Giovanni Zini would lift them into the top four if AC Milan lost to Cagliari.

And with the Rossoneri falling to a shock 2-1 defeat at San Siro, their neighbours took advantage as Lucas da Cunha scored twice in a commanding away win.

Jesus Rodriguez and Tasos Douvikas were also on target for Como as Cremonese were relegated to Serie B. 

The hosts saw red cards shown to Alberto Grassi, Milan Djuric and David Okereke – the latter duo being on the bench at the time – in the space of 61 seconds in the second half, all for foul and abusive language after a VAR review for a possible Como penalty.

Now, just two years after ending a 21-year exile from the top flight of Italian football, Como will mix it with Europe's elite in 2026-27, bringing enormous pride for Fabregas. 

Asked where guiding Como to Europe's top table ranked among his career accomplishments, Fabregas said: "It's right up there, because of the way we did it. 

"This is a squad full of kids, we've got 15 players who are all under 23, so it's a masterpiece from the whole team. 

"They listened, always wanted to do more, raised the bar at the right time. 

"I can only tip my hat to these players, because we coaches try to push them on, give options, tell them where the space is, but they are the ones who have to do it on the pitch. I am so happy for the people of Como, they deserve this joy."

Como will be the 16th different Serie A team to participate in the Champions League or European Cup, and just the 12th to do so since the competition's 1992-93 rebrand.

And with Roma joining them in qualifying on the final matchday, the 2026-27 edition will be the first in Champions League history to not feature either Milan or Juventus.

Fabregas' work at Como has seen him linked with several high-profile jobs, most notably the opening at Real Madrid, though Jose Mourinho now appears set to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa.

But the former Barcelona midfielder is content at Como, where he enjoys full control over their football operations.

"I always say that I had to make many decisions here, because I was practically given the keys to the football side of things, and there was practically nothing when we started," he added. 

"I was talking to two physios today who were with us four years ago when I came, we didn't have a training ground, so we'd do massages on tables in the back room of a bar! Now, we are in the Champions League!

"It is my second year and a half as a coach, so thanks to the staff for the way they push and inspire me, and understand me. 

"I realise I'm tough to deal with at times, but this is my life, always trying to do more. I have grown so much in this experience. 

"It has been like going to a football university every day, because I had to make so many decisions. The day I do leave here, I will become just a coach."