Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:22 p.m. / Updated Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:27 p.m.
Nico Paz (21 years old), Como's midfielder, is put on the purchase list by Inter. Vice-president Javier Zanetti's comments about the Argentina international upset the coach who had been courted by the Nerazzurri before bringing in Cristi Chivu.
For a long time, Inter have set their eyes on Como's decar, with Chivu needing a player in midfield with the technique and offensive contribution displayed this season. Chosen the best midfielder of this championship, Nico Paz is co-owned by Real Madrid and the team trained by Cesc Fabregas.
Author of 12 goals and 7 decisive assists in the current Serie A, the Argentine can be redeemed in the summer by the blanco club if he pays the clause of 10 million euros. Much depends on the future coach of Real Madrid, who will have to decide if they keep Nico Paz or listen to offers to sell him.
Nico Paz, in blue, in action for Como // photo: Guliver/gettyimages
Taking advantage of the fact that he is Argentine, Javier Zanetti invited the 21-year-old to his restaurant in Milan, where Paz left a pair of boots on display and discussed the future with the Interist vice-president.
“I like him a lot, I'm lucky enough to know his father. He's on his way to becoming a big player and big players are definitely wanted by big clubs.” is the statement that upset Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas: “I know Zanetti doesn't work for Real Madrid or Como, so he has to show us respect!”
Javier Zanetti, between Nico Paz and the father of the Como midfielder, at the restaurant of the vice president of Inter / Photo: Facebook
The Spanish technician, who refused to talk to Inter last summer, scolded the Nerazzurri official: “I'm sorry. Zanetti was a very important person in football, he knows the dynamics well, I know Ausilio and Baccin well. I know they are the ones who make the decisions.
Finally, Nico is 50% Como's player. The only club that can have a say is Real Madrid. I know Zanetti doesn't work for Madrid or Como, so he has to show us respect. There are also some words that I don't like”.
Two days before the match in Cremona, which will decide whether the team will play in the Champions League or the Europa League, Como's coach concluded: “Nico Paz will not play for Inter!
Either he returns to Real Madrid, or he will stay at Como next season as well. We are trying to see if he can play on Sunday or not, but he deserves to do it. He helped us a lot.”
