Seeing a rivalry develop in real time is something strange, and with AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri and Como’s coach Cesc Fabregas, it is happening.
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After the latest game, it cannot be denied that Fabregas and Allegri are rivals. The dislike is clear, and it has largely been one-sided, if not entirely. Of course, the events of Wednesday night only show this further.
But, how did it start?
Let’s get ready to rumble
Before the first meeting this season, the two respected each other. Their press conferences congratulated each other, with both praising the others’ achievements so far in the season, and they looked forward to the game.
Even before the reverse fixture, they shared an embrace and were photographed together looking quite friendly. However, little did we know that that would only last for the next two hours or so, if that.
Round One
After that first game, Allegri remained respectful about his opponent, but Fabregas came across as quite bitter. Instead of congratulating the Italian, he deemed that the win was due to individuals, whilst taking shots at the style of play.
Indeed, these comments extended past the game, too. For a few games after, the loss to Milan was referenced, with it becoming rather clear that the Spaniard was not a fan of the way in which Allegri set his team up.
Round Two
Since then, things have only brewed and at the weekend, Wednesday’s game was given a perfect tee-up. Como fans displayed a banner, stating they would rather have one day with Fabregas than 100 with Allegri when they played Fiorentina.
Ironically, they lost that game, which Allegri cannot say, having taken four points from six from the Viola. Post-game, Fabregas once again went to the bitter side of things, commenting that ‘your league’ was boring, of course meaning Serie A.
Before yesterday, Allegri, again, was respectful and even championed Fabregas, stating that he was doing well with his team and growing as a coach. Again, though, it would not last.
Round Three
During the game, Fabregas prevented Saelemaekers from pressing the ball by literally grabbing him, and he did not receive punishment at the time. As a result, Allegri’s temper flew, and he was quickly shown a red card. Harsh, considering he was simply reacting to another mistake against his team missed.
Then, after the game, the two were heard arguing outside the press room, and a journalist relayed the fiery exchange this morning.
It certainly seems like the pair will not be sending each other Christmas cards, and in fact, it seems like the start of a potentially great rivalry. With rumours that Fabregas could have gone to Inter in the summer, too, perhaps things could have been even more fiery had he left Como…