Como manager Cesc Fabregas says his side must believe they can defeat Manchester United as the clubs prepare to meet at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Wednesday.

The match will be a landmark occasion for Como, who have never played in European competition during the club’s 119-year history. It will be their first Champions League fixture and their first meeting with English opposition.

Como began their campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, but were beaten 3-2 by Feyenoord in their second match. Fabregas’ team are now attempting to achieve what would be an unlikely qualification for the knockout rounds.

“It’s a great match against one of the best and biggest teams in history,” Fabregas said. “It’s a match to dream about, but we must try to do our best to try to win and pick up the three points.”

United arrive in Italy without a win in their past six matches in all competitions. They have drawn three of their last four games, increasing the pressure on manager Michael Carrick before a demanding away fixture.

Fabregas acknowledged the challenge of facing one of the leading sides in European football, but said his players had to compete regardless of the difference in experience and stature.

“We slowly have to understand what it’s like to face the top sides, when you know that they’re better than you, but you still have to compete with what you have,” he said.

“Our inner strength and our mentality are what must make us strong and allow us to believe that we can do it,” he added.

Como have gradually established themselves in Serie A, according to Fabregas, after building a team capable of developing in one of Europe’s most competitive domestic leagues.

“We slowly formed a stable, solid team that could grow in Serie A, which is a very competitive league,” he said.

“We have a very tough path to qualify for the next stage, and for us it’s a pleasure to be here competing.”

United’s record against Italian opponents offers some encouragement, with only two defeats in their past 16 matches against teams from Italy. They have won 10 of those games.

However, their away record in the Champions League has been less convincing. United have won only one of their previous 10 away fixtures in the competition, drawing three and losing six.

Carrick will therefore be looking to revive his side’s form in Como, while Fabregas prepares his players for the biggest European match in the club’s history.