Cesc Fabregas calls out rival Serie A manager for ‘lack of respect’ over snub

Cesc Fabregas blasted Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini for snubbing a handshake after their Serie A clash on Sunday.

Fabregas’ Como scored two second half goals to beat Roma and climb up to fourth in the table.

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In just their second season in the top flight since promotion in 2024, the former Chelsea and Arsenal superstar has got Como punching well above their weight.

They have a very real possibility of clinching a Champions League spot ahead of heavyweights Juventus and Roma.

Following the final whistle, Gasperini headed straight down the tunnel and did not acknowledge his opposite number.

This led to Fabregas calling out the Roma boss.

He said: “Whether I’m angry, sent off, or feel the referee has wronged me, at the end of the match I always go to shake my opponent’s hand. 

“It’s a matter of respect and sportsmanship, and I was disappointed by what happened. I repeat, even when you lose a game, you always shake the opponent’s hand.

“I went to greet him as usual, and I saw him walk away. I come from a different country, and I have to get used to these things: during the game, everything is fine and you fight, but when the match ends, for me it’s over, and you always shake hands.”

Gasperini himself appeared to hit back at the Spaniard, criticising their behaviour.

Roma were incensed by Wesley’s red card in the 64th minute, which changed the game.

Gasperini said: “Como is a strong team, but I don’t respect their behavior, on the pitch or on the bench.”

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Como in Champions League?

Como face relegation candidates Pisa next as they look to push towards that top four spot that will guarantee a Champions League place.

Fabregas’ side also have a Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan to look forward to.

He said: “The quality and variety I have at my disposal are crucial. A match can change in five minutes, and that’s exactly what happened after Roma’s penalty. 

“It wasn’t a deserved result; it didn’t reflect the run of play. In the second half we raised our game and turned it all around. Was it a Champions League decider? No, we’re not through yet.”

Fabregas at Como

The World Cup winner initially joined Como as a player in the 2022/23 season, before retiring and going on to take a role as head coach of their Under-19 and B-teams.

Following the dismissal of Moreno Longo in November 2023, Fabregas was elevated to interim head coach.

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He did not hold his UEFA Pro coaching licence at the time, so had to get special dispensation to take the club.

Como were promoted and Fabregas formally signed a four-year deal as their head coach.

There was talk about him leaving the club in the summer, but that was quickly shut down by the club.

RB Leipzig were among the clubs mooted as a potential destination.

Fabregas’ career

The Spaniard is undoubtedly one of the most talented players of his generation, racking up nearly 850 games for club and country.

He won 16 trophies across an illustrious career, including two Premier Leagues, two European Championships, and a World Cup.

Fabregas began his career at Arsenal as a teenager, making 303 appearances, before joining childhood club Barcelona.

After three seasons in LaLiga, he returned to the Premier League with Chelsea.

The midfielder finished his career at Monaco and then Como in Serie B.