COMO sounded as excited as Dele Alli surely must be - as they revealed a huge leap forward for the midfielder's comeback.

The Serie A club had made a tentative first step in January when they signed the ex-Tottenham and England star.

Now Como have announced the 28-year-old is in the squad for Sunday's Italian top-flight clash with Roma - with a debut looming.

The club posted a squad sheet with Alli at Number 8 and added the message: "First one for Dele! We're buzzing, just like you guys..."

The former Everton ace last played in February 2023 - on loan for Besiktas

And when he started training with Como over the New Year their boss, Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas, appeared cautious.

But Alli quickly impressed - and it's thought the contract he penned is until next year, partly linked to appearances and availability.

After returning to Everton from his temporary spell in Turkey, his Goodison Park contract expired soon after in June 2023.

Injuries put paid to his hopes of a new Prem deal.

And in the same summer he opened up on his struggles with a sleeping pill addiction, as well as mental health issues, also revealing he had been sexually abused at the age of six.

Alli was praised for speaking out over his challenges and trauma.

And he has since regained full physical fitness, having struggled to regain the form that saw him win 37 caps from 2015-19 as one of the Three Lions' bright new hopes.