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Sometimes a season is better told through a clean sheet than a flurry of goals. In Udine, Como 1907 recorded their 15th clean sheet of the campaign. After 31 matchdays, the BiancoBlu sit fourth with 58 points, continuing to build their run on the strongest defence in Serie A, having conceded just 22 goals, the lowest tally in the league.
The significance of these numbers becomes even clearer in comparison. Following the trip to Udine, Como drew level with Inter on 15 clean sheets, while still leading the league for the number of goals conceded: 22 compared to 24 for AC Milan, 26 for Inter, 29 for Juventus and 30 for Napoli.
This solidity is reflected beyond Italy as well. In the Premier League, only Arsenal have posted similar numbers, with 22 goals conceded and 15 clean sheets in 31 matches. In Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain have conceded 23 goals with 14 clean sheets in 27 games, while in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich have allowed 27 goals with 10 clean sheets in 28 matches. In La Liga, Real Madrid have conceded 28 goals in 30 games, with Atlético Madrid and Barcelona leading the clean sheet standings with 12 each. While these comparisons must be taken in context, given the different schedules, they highlight the consistency and defensive strength Como have shown throughout the season.
Yet the team’s strength lies not only in the numbers, but in how they are achieved. Under Cesc Fàbregas, Como rank first in Serie A for average possession (61.4%), third for passes completed per match (466.9), sixth for touches in the opposition box (792), and third for expected goals conceded (27.8). The Lariani also average 16.6 tackles per game (fifth in the league) and 3.3 recoveries in the final third per match.
Perhaps the most telling statistic is: Como rank 18th for successful long balls, with 19.7 per match. It reflects a side that does not simply defend, but defends by advancing through control of possession and the ability to deny opponents time and space before they can even approach the penalty area.
The second half of the season has further reinforced this identity. Prior to the trip to Udine, Como had already collected 24 points in the second half of the campaign, the joint-best tally in Serie A alongside Inter. The 0–0 draw at the Bluenergy Stadium took that total to 25, underlining a consistency built heavily on defensive solidity.
If there is a symbolic figure of this resilience, it is Jean Butez. The French goalkeeper has recorded 15 clean sheets, 77 saves, and a save percentage of 77.8%. Based on performance data, he has prevented 4.4 goals compared to the quality of shots faced. His contribution extends beyond shot-stopping: 911 completed passes, 194 long balls, and 10.3 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, the highest figure in the squad. He is not only Como’s last line of defence, but also their first point of build-up.
Marc-Oliver Kempf represents the more aggressive, dominant side of the back line. Aside from scoring four goals, he has recorded 117 clearances, 18 blocked shots, 104 duels won and 72 aerial duels won, with a 66.7% success rate in the air. Among Como’s defenders, he leads for blocks per 90 minutes and ranks second for clearances, figures that highlight his presence, reading of the game and ability to influence key moments.
Diego Carlos has brought international experience and balance across both phases. He leads Como’s defenders for defensive contributions per 90 minutes (9.3), clearances per 90 (6.1), and successful long balls per 90 (2.7). Over the course of the season, he has produced 171 defensive actions, 113 clearances, 26 tackles and 18 interceptions, with one particularly striking statistic: he has been dribbled past only once in the league.
Finally, Jacobo Ramón is the player who encapsulates both present and future. During his time on the pitch, Como have kept 11 clean sheets. Individually, he has registered 189 defensive contributions, 149 duels won, 90 aerial duels won, 96 recoveries, 31 interceptions and 101 clearances. He also averages 64.2 completed passes per 90 minutes, the third-highest in the squad, painting the picture of a modern, developing centre-back capable of both defending and building play.
For this reason, the 15 clean sheets are not just a statistic, but a reflection of Como’s season so far. The team’s defensive strength comes not from sitting deep, but from controlling matches, pressing with organisation, and competing well in key moments, supported by a back line with different yet complementary qualities. The reliability of Butez, the presence of Kempf, the experience of Diego Carlos and the personality of Jacobo Ramón all play their part in making Como a well-balanced and competitive side.