VIDEO: Fired-up Cesc Fabregas gives passionate speech to his dejected Como players as unselected Dele Alli watches new team-mates collapse in disastrous home loss to Atalanta

Como succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat to Atalanta on Saturday. The hosts initially took the lead in the match, giving their fans hope of another upset against Atalanta, whom they had defeated in a surprise victory earlier in the season. However, Mateo Retegui proved to be the game-changer, scoring twice to overturn Como’s advantage and secure three points for the visitors. Despite the setback, Fabregas emphasized the positives and urged his players to "keep going" in the same way until the end of the campaign to stay afloat in the Italian top flight.

After the final whistle, Fabregas gathered his players on the sidelines and delivered a stirring message to lift their spirits.

"I became a coach for monuments like these," he told them. "I am proud of all of you, thank you. This is our team. We dominated them, we dominated them. Keep going like this because this is just the beginning. I want to see today's hunger throughout the entire season. Keep your heads up, we go and thank the fans."

Amid the drama on the pitch, Dele watched the match from the stands. The 28-year-old midfielder joined the Italian club earlier this month after leaving Everton. Alli had been invited to train with Como as he looked to revive his career following a challenging period away from competitive football. Como handed Alli an 18-month contract, with the option to extend for an additional year, reflecting the club’s confidence in his ability to make an impact.

With Dele striving to get match-fit and Fabregas’s leadership galvanizing the squad, Como will aim to turn their fortunes when they take on Bologna next in Serie A.