Nico Paz Denies Inter Interest and Rules Out Real Madrid Return, Focuses on Como’s Coppa Italia Push
Nico Paz, the 21‑year‑old Argentine midfielder who arrived at Como from Real Madrid’s academy in 2023, dismissed recent transfer rumours linking him with Inter Milan during a press interview with Sport Mediaset.
Speaking in Como’s training complex, Paz emphasized that “there’s never been anything with the Nerazzurri” and reiterated his commitment to the club as they approach a decisive Coppa Italia semi‑final at the San Siro.
The midfielder’s comments come at a time when Como are positioned in the upper half of the Serie A table, having accumulated 42 points from 28 matches, a performance that exceeds preseason expectations.
| Team | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Como | 42 | 7th |
| Inter Milan | 58 | 2nd |
| Real Madrid | — | LaLiga (2025‑26) |
In the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi‑final, Como held Inter to a goalless draw, setting the stage for a high‑stakes second leg that will determine who reaches the final.
Paz highlighted his focus on the upcoming match, stating, “I’m 100 percent focused on Como. We’re having a good season; honestly, we didn’t expect it to be this good.”
Beyond the cup tie, Como will travel to face Sassuolo in the next Serie A fixture, a game that could further solidify their push for a European qualification spot.
Inter, meanwhile, are contending for the Serie A title and have already secured a place in the Coppa Italia final, making their interest in Paz a logical narrative for the media.
Despite the speculation, Paz denied any direct contact from Inter, reinforcing that his priorities lie with the club that has given him regular first‑team minutes.
He added that a possible return to Real Madrid remains “not on my mind right now,” underscoring his belief that continued development in Italy is essential for his growth.
Real Madrid retain a buy‑back clause on Paz, a contractual element that allows the Spanish giants to re‑sign the player for a pre‑agreed fee should they choose to exercise it.
Club officials in Madrid have reportedly been monitoring his progress, but no formal approach has been confirmed as of the interview date.
The influence of former Spain international Cesc Fàbregas, now Como’s head coach, has been a defining factor in Paz’s breakthrough season.
Fàbregas implemented an expansive, possession‑based system that positions Paz as a central orchestrator, allowing him to exploit his vision and passing range.
Paz credited the coach, saying, “Fabregas? He was the most important factor. He has so much faith in us: he’s a young coach, someone who lives for football and allows me to play the way I want.”
Under Fàbregas, Como have increased their average possession from 48 % last season to 56 % this campaign, a statistical shift that has benefitted creative players like Paz.
| Season | Average Possession | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
| 2024‑25 | 48 % | 38 |
| 2025‑26 | 56 % | 45 |
Statistically, Paz has contributed 8 goals and 12 assists in Serie A this season, marking his most productive spell at senior level.
His key passes per 90 minutes have risen to 3.4, placing him among the top five creators in the league.
| Player | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Nico Paz | 8 | 12 |
| Marco Verratti (PSG) | 5 | 9 |
| Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) | 11 | 7 |
Como’s tactical setup often sees Paz operating in a deep‑lying playmaker role, linking defense and attack while also making late runs into the box.
His ability to retain possession under pressure has been highlighted in recent matches against top‑four sides, where he completed 85 % of passes in the final third.
In the recent 4‑3 Serie A defeat to Inter, Paz registered two key passes and one shot on target, demonstrating his impact even in loss.
The defeat, however, fuels Como’s desire for revenge in the upcoming cup tie, where a victory would mark the club’s first appearance in a Coppa Italia final since 2015.
Historically, Como have struggled in knockout competitions, exiting in the round of 16 on four of the last five occasions.
Reaching the final would not only be a historic achievement but also guarantee a Europa League berth, a prospect that could reshape the club’s financial outlook.
From a broader perspective, Paz’s situation illustrates the growing trend of elite academy graduates opting for regular senior minutes abroad rather than remaining on the bench at their parent clubs.
His decision to stay at Como aligns with the pathways taken by players such as Jude Bellingham and Pedri, who prioritized development through consistent first‑team exposure.
Should Real Madrid decide to activate the buy‑back clause, they would likely negotiate a transfer fee that reflects both Paz’s market value and Como’s investment in his development.
For now, the Argentine midfielder’s immediate objective is to help Como secure a place in the Coppa Italia final and maintain their push for a top‑six finish in Serie A.
The next few weeks will be decisive for both the club and the player, as the outcomes of the Coppa Italia semi‑final and the upcoming league fixtures will shape the narrative of their season.
