Speaking to Sky Calcio Unplugged, Falsini outlined a youth-development model built around local recruitment, shared playing principles and the individual progress of each footballer. He said Como’s Under-20 squad contains many Italian players and only four foreign players.
“We have a lot of Italians and only four foreigners in the Como Under-20 squad; we work a lot in the local area,” Falsini said. “Clearly, we want players suited to our philosophy. We look at whether a boy is ready so we can develop him and give him to Cesc.”
The aim, he explained, is not to make every youth side use an identical formation. Como’s Under-20s and Under-17s build up or defend with three at the back, while the Under-18s use a back four. The common ground lies in the ideas behind their football.
“We have very similar playing ideas, although each squad has different individual characteristics,” Falsini said. “We always try to dominate the game while respecting the opponent.”
He added that the club’s philosophy is intended to support Fàbregas’s requirements without simply copying Barcelona. The priority is adapting to the players available and developing their qualities, rather than forcing them into a model that does not suit them.
Falsini also described his relationship with Fàbregas as one built on access and discussion, even though their schedules leave limited free time. He praised the Como head coach’s modern ideas but placed particular emphasis on his willingness to speak with youth coaches and help them work through questions.
For Falsini, that openness is an important part of the club’s structure. He said the coaches also work closely with Fàbregas’s staff and exchange information weekly.
The development of Riccardo Cassano was one example he highlighted. Falsini believes the youngster has a promising future but stressed that talent alone is not enough.
“He is a fantastic boy, but he has a lot to improve by developing his talent,” he said. “I’m convinced he will do that.”
Falsini’s comments reflected a broader belief that character should come before footballing ability. He described that principle as central to the way Como approaches its young players, with personal development treated as part of the process of building a footballer.
He also warned against rushing prospects into senior football. Young players need opportunities, time and the freedom to make mistakes as they learn. For Falsini, the pathway from academy to first team must be supported by a clear technical project and a willingness to let developing players gain experience.