Como's Remarkable Rise: From Italy's Lower Leagues to the Champions League

Posted : 21 October 2026

The Italian club Como 1907 have experienced a remarkable transformation, rising from the lower divisions to Europe's elite competition in just a few years. With a population of slightly more than 83,000, the lakeside city is preparing to welcome some of football's biggest names, while its club shop now offers an extensive range of merchandise that would have seemed unnecessary during its days in Serie D.

Club president Mirwan Suwarso explained that the original development strategy had to be reconsidered after the team secured promotion and entered professional football sooner than anticipated. Plans that once focused on a slower, more gradual expansion have continued to evolve as Como's sporting success has exceeded expectations.

The club's progress accelerated further under head coach Cesc Fabregas, whose team finished fourth in Serie A during the 2025-26 campaign to qualify for the Champions League. What began as a long-term project has developed into a historic achievement, with Como preparing to face Manchester United in a fixture that represents another significant milestone for the club and its supporters.

The transformation has attracted attention well beyond northern Italy. Former France internationals Thierry Henry and Raphael Varane are among the figures associated with the club's investment group, while interest in Como has grown alongside its results on the pitch.

Fabregas has described the club's development as a complete transformation compared with the team he joined as a player. After retiring, the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder moved into coaching and helped shape the club's footballing direction, overseeing its progress towards the top of Italian football.

The Spaniard views the upcoming meeting with Manchester United as a landmark occasion for Como, its fans and the wider city. However, he has also stressed that the team must remain grounded despite its achievements and focus on the challenges ahead rather than dwell on its rapid rise.

Fabregas has repeatedly highlighted the sense of unity within the club, describing an environment where supporters continue to stand behind the team even after disappointing results. For him, maintaining that connection and remembering the club's origins are important parts of building a sustainable future.

His challenge is to ensure that the excitement surrounding Como's progress does not lead to complacency among his players. Reaching the Champions League is a major achievement, but competing consistently at that level requires continued development and ambition.

Despite their success, Como face practical challenges as they seek to establish themselves among Europe's leading clubs. One major consideration is compliance with UEFA's financial regulations, particularly as their ambitions and operating costs increase.

Suwarso has expressed confidence in the club's financial management, maintaining that its accounts are in order despite the additional scrutiny that comes with competing at the highest level.

The club's home ground, the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, presents another challenge. Its picturesque location beside Lake Como makes it distinctive, but the stadium has limited capacity and much of its seating is uncovered. Wet weather could therefore create difficulties for spectators attending major European fixtures.

Balancing infrastructure improvements, financial sustainability and progress on the pitch will be crucial if Como are to turn their rapid rise into lasting success.

While Como are attracting a growing international audience, supporters who followed the team through its difficult years remain central to the club's identity.

Some fans developed their loyalty through family connections, the club's blue colours and the atmosphere of the stadium rather than a history of winning trophies. Their attachment has endured relegations, financial difficulties and the years spent outside Italy's top divisions.

For these supporters, seeing Como prepare to face Manchester United is difficult to imagine given where the club stood only a few seasons ago. The occasion represents the culmination of years of loyalty and offers a rare opportunity to see their team compete against one of the world's most recognisable football institutions.

Local supporter Federico Borghi, who began attending matches in 2008, has described the prospect of facing United as an emotional moment that would have seemed impossible during the club's difficult years. His experience reflects the feelings of fans who have remained committed throughout Como's journey.

Their enthusiasm also highlights an important part of the club's appeal: its progress is not simply about investment or sporting results, but about a community witnessing a transformation that once seemed beyond reach.

Como's meeting with Manchester United represents another step in a journey that has taken the club from Italy's fourth tier to the Champions League. Under Fabregas, the team have combined investment, youth development and improved performances to reach a level few supporters could have anticipated.

However, the club's long-term ambitions will depend on more than memorable European nights. Financial discipline, appropriate facilities, squad development and the preservation of its relationship with local supporters will all play important roles.

Fabregas has made clear that the focus must remain on the next challenge rather than past accomplishments. For Como, the ambition is not merely to celebrate an extraordinary rise, but to build a club capable of sustaining its place among Italian and European football's leading teams.

Como's Remarkable Rise: From Italy's Lower Leagues to the Champions League

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics