Liberali scores stunning goal in Como friendly, explains AC Milan departure
Quick summary
Young forward Liberali netted a spectacular goal in a Como pre-season friendly and discussed his decision to leave AC Milan.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceItalian talent Mattia Liberali scored a stunning goal in a Como friendly against Villarreal last night and explained why he picked Cesc Fabregas’ side over a return to Milan: ‘Since the very first call, I immediately understood their strong interest in me.’
Fabregas’ Como played two mini friendlies last night, facing Saudi Arabian side Al Ula and Spanish club Villarreal for 45 minutes each.
The Azzurri beat Al Ula 3-1 but then lost on penalties to Villarreal after a 1-1 draw.
Summer signing Liberali scored a fantastic goal at the far post, giving Como the lead against Villarreal.
Video: Liberali’s goal for Como against Villarreal Mattia Liberali (19) scores his first goal in a Como shirt against Villarreal.
This talent is special. One of Italy’s brightest young stars. pic.twitter.com/l8xsa93WEV
— New Ballers (@newballers7) July 30, 2026
At the end of the match, he told Sportitalia : “I came here to support and help my teammates. I know it won’t be easy, and we’ll have to give our all. Training after training. Right now, I want to have fun and learn as much as possible from anyone, coach and teammates alike. I hope I can help them too during the whole season.”
Fabregas has said that he’s impressed by Liberali’s attitude, especially his curiosity as the Italian talent asks many questions during training sessions.
COMO, ITALY – JULY 29: Mattia Liberali of Como 1907 in action during the Como Cup 2026 match between Villarreal CF and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 29, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “I want to know every little detail,” Liberali confirmed.
“Nowadays, you need to take care of every movement, both in attack and mostly in defence. I have a lot to learn, so I ask because he knows more than I do.
“I feel I can help the team. There are many strong players, and everyone is ready to give their best. Currently, I just want to help the team.”
A product of the Milan academy, Liberali played for Catanzaro in Serie B last season and, this summer, Milan made an attempt to bring him back, but the 19-year-old chose Como instead : “Since the very first call with the coach, Fabregas, I immediately understood their strong interest in me and my interest in them,” he explained.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Cesc Fabregas coach of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images) “It’s an ambitious club with many young players that aims to play good football and never give up. Currently, I think the best pathway for me is the one I’ve taken.”
Lastly, Liberali was asked whether he hopes for an Italy call-up with new coach Roberto Mancini in charge: “I don’t know; it all happened in the last few hours. Now, I’m only focused on Como,” Liberali concluded.
Liberali: “Dalla prima chiamata con Fabregas ho capito il forte interesse per me. Milan? Al momento credo che questo sia il percorso giusto“
Le parole di Mattia Liberali, protagonista della sfida tra Como e Villarreal #sportitalia #como #liberali pic.twitter.com/LNewQmBcmH
— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) July 29, 2026
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What happened
Liberali, a highly regarded AC Milan youth product, scored a long-range screamer during a Como pre-season friendly, highlighting his quality since leaving the San Siro. The young attacker explained his reasons for departing Milan, suggesting he sought clearer first-team opportunities rather than remaining in the Primavera setup. The goal serves as an early statement of intent in his new chapter at Como, who continue to invest in emerging Italian talent.
Chance analysis
This is a low-stakes but symbolically significant story: a promising Milan academy product showcasing his talent immediately after leaving. For Como, it reinforces their reputation as a development-friendly destination for Italian youth. For Milan, it raises minor questions about youth pathway retention, though Liberali was not yet a first-team regular. The story has limited immediate match-prediction value but signals Como's growing pull on the Italian youth market.
Minimal short-term impact: Como gain a motivated young attacker, while Milan lose a peripheral academy prospect with no first-team implications.
A youth transfer and friendly goal carry negligible impact on Serie A match predictions; treat as background context only.