Serie A side Como may be forced to play away from their stadium if they clinch qualification for European football. The Italian side can secure their passage into the Conference League next season with a victory against Hellas Verona on Sunday.
It’s been a stellar season for the minnows, who are managed by ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas. Competing in Europe would be quite the achievement for a club that was in the second division in 2024.
However, such success could result in logistical issues due to their stunning Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium not meeting UEFA regulations. The ground, which is on the shores of Lake Como, has been described by some as the “world‘s most beautiful stadium.”
Having opened in 1927, it underwent renovations in order to meet the legal standards required for the Italian top-flight. Inspectors visited the stadium in April in order to assess its suitability for European competition.
They raised the problem of the temporary scaffold curve, with the stand being the location of the club’s ultras, but UEFA rules mean Como must permanently fix the issue.
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The regulations state that “stands must be fixed to a load-bearing foundation and may not be based on or contain any tubular/scaffolding structures.” Club president Mirwan Suwaso has been given support by Como’s mayor to build a permanent structure this summer.
Not only will the pitch need to be widened from 66 metres to UEFA’s required 68m, but a two-metre buffer will have to be created between the touchline and advertising boards.
View 3 ImagesThe Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium has a capacity of 13,602(Image: Getty Images)
A resolution with residents will need to be settled, with locals worried about the effects European competition will have on increased traffic and road infrastructure. Should the work not be completed in time for a European campaign next season, Como will need to find an alternative stadium.
Among the potential grounds touted are Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium, which is a staggering 150 miles away from Como. Udinese’s Bluenergy Stadium has also been proposed as an alternate option.
View 3 ImagesCesc Fabregas has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising managers at Como(Image: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The iconic San Siro, which is joint-owned by AC Milan and Inter Milan, will not be able to be used by Como due to the scheduling issues that would arise by three clubs using the same stadium.
Fabregas has managed Como since 2024 and even possesses a financial stake in the club. Given the progress he’s made as a manager, the former Spain international has already been linked to Premier League jobs, with some touting him as a future replacement for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
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