Como’s Reinforced Academy: A Rising Hotbed for the Azzurri

Como’s youth project isn’t tinkering, it’s reloading. The club is investing in a blueprint for the future: a bedrock of Italian talent, complemented by select overseas recruits, all bound by a clear philosophy. The stated goal is simple but ambitious: an academy that produces players good enough for the Como first team and, for the home grown talent the Italian senior national side. Blu gives a quick introduction to some of the new signings to keep you eye on:

Samuele Pisati
The 2009-born striker joins permanently from AC Milan after a standout U17 season—nine goals, one assist, and MVP honours in the Scudetto quarter-final against Empoli. Head of Development Osian Roberts called him “an exciting young talent who… fits our game model and identity.” Pisati was equally bullish: “I am thrilled to be part of such an ambitious, serious, and values-driven project… I am looking forward to a season of significant personal and collective growth.”

Lorenzo Bonsignori 
Lorenzo brings a ready-made résumé from Atalanta: 15 appearances across Primavera 1, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Youth League, plus goals against Celtic and Dinamo Kiev. Already an Italy U18 international, he is, in the club’s words, “one of the brightest prospects in Italian youth football.” Bonsignori knows exactly why he’s here: “The Bianco Blu project perfectly matches my characteristics and values. I can’t wait to get started… with the goal of helping my teammates and reaching Primavera 1 all together.”

Henrique Lopes Menke
The Brazilian U20 goalkeeper arrives from Internacional on loan with an option to buy, fresh from 17 matches and a South American U20 Championship title. Roberts described him as “a goalkeeper who is strong with both his hands and his feet, and of international level.” Menke called the move “a very important step… I’m very happy and excited… There’s an excellent project… a club that’s constantly evolving.”

Adam Asfour
Adam offers versatility and maturity at left-back despite being only 15. Signed from AS Béziers after 19 appearances in France’s U17 national championship, he has the poise to play U17 or Primavera football. “Adam is a left-back who plays with a lot of maturity despite his young age,” said Roberts. Asfour’s verdict was equally upbeat: “I’m very happy to be here… It’s the first big step of my career… the facilities are great and I can’t wait to get started.”

Lyfe Oldenstam
Lyfe arrives with the polish of Ajax schooling. The 18-year-old Dutch-Indonesian-Surinamese left-back signed a two-year deal, part of the strengthening relationship between Como and Ajax. Comfortable across the defensive line, he’s expected to bring athleticism and tactical nous to the Primavera side from day one.

Miguel João da Silva
Miguel also follows the same Amsterdam-to-Como path. The 17-year-old Portuguese winger is a livewire attacker, equally happy on either flank, and known for his direct running and goal threat. His arrival is another calculated move to add flair and unpredictability to the youth ranks.

Diego Martínez
The 16-year-old Spanish winger from CD Laguna (Tenerife) represents the success of Como 1907’s Elite Performance Summer Camp program, which serves as a gateway to professional football. Despite his young age, Diego Martinez brings promising potential and room for significant development within Como’s Primavera setup. His signing demonstrates the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent through their academy pathways, adding depth and future prospects to a key position.

Thomas Boccia
This forward is prolific, versatile, and fearless. The striker joins from Cagliari after scoring 17 in 26 matches last season, and can operate as a number 10, a winger, or a central striker. His goalscoring instincts earned him the local label “il baby bomber”—and there’s every chance he’ll live up to it.

For Roberts, this intake is more than a transfer list—it’s a statement of intent. “We want to develop Italian players, but we also want to complement them with international talent that brings different qualities and experiences,” he said. “Our academy is designed to increase the quantity and quality of homegrown players who will hopefully go on to represent Como’s first team. We are passionate about developing young talents, especially Italian top talents, because this is the future of Como 1907.”