After years of on-field and off-field struggles, including battles with mental health and persistent injury setbacks, Dele Alli has made his return to club football. But what has happened to the former Tottenham man since his Serie A debut? Let’s find out.
Earlier in 2025, Dele Alli signed for Italian outfit Como, working his way back to full fitness and earning his first league appearance off the bench in their Serie A clash against AC Milan.
However, the long-awaited debut quickly turned sour. Dele Alli was shown a red card just minutes after coming on, following a reckless challenge on fellow Englishman Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Alli and Loftus-Cheek later addressed the incident on social media, making it clear that there was no bad blood between them and that the tackle was not malicious. But what has happened to the Englishman since his sending off at AC Milan?
Dele Alli still benched for Como since red card on debut
Since his red card on his debut, which lasted nine minutes, Dele Alli has not made a single appearance for Como, despite being named on the bench in subsequent fixtures – he has remained an unused substitute.
The midfielder’s absence has not affected the Italian side’s results, as that 2-1 defeat to AC Milan stands as Como’s only loss in their last seven Serie A matches, with Cesc Fabregas guiding his team to tenth in the Serie A table.
When asked about Alli’s situation, Como head coach Cesc Fabregas was clear in his assessment.
Speaking to reporters, he underlined that minutes on the pitch must be earned on the training ground, suggesting that Alli has fallen short in that regard since turning his initial trial spell into a permanent deal in January.
He told the Daily Mail: “I play those who train well and earn a spot during the week. Dele Alli needs to keep working. He had his chance in Milan, but was sent off and then got injured. When the right time comes, it just comes. [Anastasios] Douvikas has trained well, and everyone is available except Sergi Roberto and Dossena.”
Alli’s World Cup dream in danger as Spurs cult hero struggles at Como
The manager’s words make one thing clear – while Dele Alli is currently fit, he is not doing enough in training to convince Fabregas he deserves game time.
There is certainly less pressure in Italy compared to what he faced at Everton or Besiktas, but the fact he is unable to break into this Como side raises questions about his wok ethic.
Considering Dele Alli has spoken openly about his ambition to be part of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup, he must do far more to prove he still belongs at the top level.
First and foremost, he needs to get minutes under his belt for Como before the end of the season. That must now be his immediate priority.