Who Is Alessio Baralla? Como Sign Niccolo Pisilli-Like Midfielder With ‘Enormous Potential’
Alessio Baralla is one of Italy's most exciting young midfielders.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 05 February 2026
Como have confirmed the signing of exciting Italian talent Alessio Baralla from Empoli.
The Serie A club announced Baralla’s signing on their official website and social media channels.
Como confirmed that the 18-year-old has joined on loan with an obligation to buy from the Serie B outfit.
FootItalia looks at Baralla’s career so far and what he could bring to Cesc Fabregas’ Como side.
Alessio Baralla joins Como: his career so far
Alessio Baralla was born in Naples on February 5, 2008 and started playing football when he was just four years old.
He soon joined Micri, one of the best-known academies in Campania, which has also become part of Barcelona’s wider academy network.
Baralla learned the ropes at Micri and, soon enough, he began to stand out in international youth tournaments.
In one Under-14 event, he finished top scorer and was named man of the match in a final win against Barcelona’s youngsters.
Como 1907 is delighted to announce the signing, on loan with an obligation to buy, of young Italian midfielder Alessio Baralla from Empoli ✍️
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/e5useRlKst pic.twitter.com/4EQ0kpvSYD
— Como1907 (@Como_1907) February 5, 2026
In summer 2022, after being tracked by several clubs, Baralla chose Empoli, a club widely respected in Italy for its youth development.
Although he began as a more attacking midfielder, he was quickly moved deeper, playing in front of the defence as his minutes and influence grew.
Empoli have a strong recent record in that role. They have produced midfielders who later moved to bigger stages, including Samuele Ricci and Kristjan Asllani.
And then there’s Nico Paz, who has been so good for Como that Real Madrid want him back.
A few months ago, Baralla won the bronze medal at the U17 World Cup in Qatar alongside his new teammate Cristiano De Paoli.
Alessio Baralla: comparisons with Roma ace Niccolo Pisilli
Alessio Baralla’s surname has often led to jokes and comparisons with Inter’s Nicolo Barella.
However, in terms of his style of play he is closer to Roma youngster Niccolo Pisilli, according to Italian reports.
Baralla’s main strengths are his mobility, clean technique and, above all, his passing range.
He is accurate both in short combinations and in sharper, forward passes, with an impressive completion rate often above 85%.
While Empoli gave Barella his first contract and included him in senior squads, he didn’t make his senior debut.
Now, Empoli’s loss will be Como’s gain as they get their hands on one of Italy’s top young talents.
What Como and Baralla have said
Osian Roberts, Head of Development at Como, welcomed Alessio Baralla on the club’s official channels.
“Alessio is a young talent with enormous potential,” he said.
“We believe he perfectly embodies what we’re looking for at Como 1907; he’s a very technically strong player with great intelligence.
“We’ve been monitoring him for some time and even observed him in person at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar last November.
“We extend our warmest welcome to the Como 1907 family.”
Baralla, meanwhile, said: “I’m very proud to have arrived here in Como and I can’t wait to wear this jersey.
“I’m joining a very strong group of players, and I’ll give my all to help the team, improve, and achieve our goals.”
In other news, Harvey Elliott and Como speculation has begun doing the rounds.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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