Como sporting director Charlie Ludi says Real Madrid relationship is a growth opportunity for Italian football

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Como's sporting director Charlie Ludi has described the club's relationship with Real Madrid as a source of value for Italian football, in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. Ludi said the foundation of the link is not the relationship with Real Madrid in itself but the valuable relationships Como has built, both externally with prestigious organisations and internally. "We take care of relationships, it is not a given," he said.

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Ludi presented the deal that brought Nico Paz to Como as a win-win situation. In his account, Como gained the chance to bet on a player of great potential, while Real Madrid believed in a technical project, helped by the credibility and ability of Fabregas. He added that what Como did with Real Madrid it has also done with other teams.

Asked about a possible axis forming between Real Madrid and Italian clubs, with the possibility of Endrick going to Roma cited as a recent example, Ludi said he has never commented on other clubs' operations. He called it significant that talents can be brought to Italy, and held Como up as an example of how young players can deliver very important results. He said the minutes played by young players this year are decidedly higher than in recent seasons, calling it an excellent signal for Serie A, and said the bridge with Real Madrid can represent an opportunity for growth and valorisation for Italian football.

Ludi stressed that Como is also investing heavily in young Italians, an aspect he called fundamental despite criticism the club has received. He cited Papaccioli, who experienced a moment of great celebration and joy in the Champions League, and the call-up to the national team of Cassano, among others.

On Jacobo Ramon's future, Ludi said no signals have arrived from Madrid. He said that when Como negotiated for Nico Paz there was an update on Ramon's position and that he will certainly stay with the club for the whole season, adding that it is still early to understand what his future may be.

Regarding January, Ludi said Como will evaluate the outgoing market for players finding less space. On signings, he said there are no incredible things planned, that the club is very satisfied with the squad and is concentrating on the recovery of Kean, Diao and Jesús Rodríguez. He left the door open to opportunities, saying that if a market opportunity arose and there was a need to improve through small interventions, the club could act, but that he would mainly bet on the players already in the squad. He said a great second part of the season awaits.

Ludi also addressed Como's position in the title race despite the setback against Inter. He said the club comes from an extraordinary start to the season, that its challenge was to remain competitive every three days and that the Champions League run shows it managed to do so. He called Inter the strongest team in Italy and said it approached the match in an extraordinary way. Como must improve and grow, which does not surprise him, and he is sure the team will learn from the last match too.