From Serie D to Primavera: Como’s Eye for Hidden Gems

Como 1907’s commitment to developing young talent has taken an innovative turn with the January acquisitions of Thomas Diego Altomonte and Tommaso Nucifero, two promising 18-year-olds who made the leap from Serie D to strengthen the club’s Primavera squad.

Altomonte, a dynamic winger from NovaRomentin, and Nucifero, an attacking left-back from Pro Sesto, represent Como’s shrewd approach to identifying talent in senior football’s lower tiers. Both players have already demonstrated that their Serie D experience provides a unique advantage in their development.

“Coming from NovaRomentin, where I played alongside first-team players in a very challenging category, taught me fundamental values,” reflects Altomonte, who has already netted three goals in 12 appearances for Como’s Primavera side. His immediate impact, including a memorable strike against Albinoleffe in just his second appearance, validates the club’s recruitment strategy.

Similarly, Nucifero’s statistics speak volumes about his adaptation, contributing four assists and a goal in 15 appearances from left-back. “I’ve been with Pro Sesto since I was 10 years old. I’ve gone up the rankings, starting as an academy player and eventually earned my call up to the first team,” explains Nucifero, whose experience of 15 senior appearances in Serie D has proven invaluable.

Both players offer interesting insights into the contrasts between Serie D and Primavera football. “In Primavera 2, there’s a stronger emphasis on technical aspects,” Altomonte analyzes, “whereas Serie D combines technique with intense physicality.” Nucifero adds an intriguing perspective: “After playing in Serie D, the rhythm in Primavera is actually higher, but the physical level is very different. In Serie D, you’re playing against 30 and 40-year-olds, and you really feel that physical difference.”

The duo’s successful integration into Como’s system highlights the club’s nurturing environment. “The staff and teammates have been instrumental in helping me settle in from day one,” shares Altomonte, while Nucifero echoes: “The environment here is beautiful. My teammates are very welcoming, and the entire staff and community make you feel at home from day one.”

Both players bring complementary attributes to the team. Altomonte’s game is “based on quick, dynamic movements,” while Nucifero combines technical ability with “just a bit of speed,” as he modestly puts it. Their Serie D experience has instilled a professional mindset that aligns perfectly with Como’s promotion ambitions.

As Como’s Primavera side pushes for promotion to Primavera 1, both Altomonte and Nucifero have embraced the challenge with clear determination. “The objective was made clear from the start – promotion to Primavera 1,” states Altomonte, while Nucifero adds, “We want to achieve it at all costs.”

Their successful transition from Serie D to Primavera football not only validates Como’s recruitment strategy but also demonstrates the club’s ability to identify and develop talent from unexpected sources. As both players continue to contribute to the team’s promotion push, they serve as prime examples of Como 1907’s innovative approach to youth development.