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Italian side Como are enjoying a remarkable rise in recent seasons, with the club now pushing for a potential UEFA Champions League place.
However, while qualification for Europe’s elite competition would be historic for the Lombardy side, it could also create major logistical and stadium challenges due to the limitations of their current home ground, the picturesque Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Why Como’s stadium may not be allowed to host Champions League games
According to Football Italia, biggest issue is that the lakeside stadium does not currently meet UEFA requirements for Champions League matches.
Reports suggest that as things stand, Como would be unable to stage European games at Sinigaglia, meaning they would need to relocate their home fixtures elsewhere unless upgrades are completed in time.
Despite recent investment to improve facilities, the ground still lacks several features required under UEFA regulations, including adequate infrastructure and hospitality areas.
If the necessary works are not finished before the competition begins, Como would be forced to play their “home” matches at a different stadium entirely.
While Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is one of the most scenic football venues in Europe, sitting directly on the shores of Lake Como, its charm also highlights its limitations.
Its current capacity is around 10,000-13,000 seats depending on configuration, and because of its central location and historic structure, major redevelopment has proven difficult, with crowd flow and infrastructure upgrades posing particular challenges.
Possible alternative stadiums already being discussed
Because of the uncertainty, Como have reportedly already explored backup options. Two venues in northern Italy are currently considered possible temporary homes, which are Bluenergy Stadium (Udinese) and Mapei Stadium – Citta del Tricolore (Sassuolo).
The stadium in Reggio Emilia is believed to be the preferred option due to its location and accessibility for supporters.
This situation would not be unprecedented, as Italian clubs including Atalanta have previously played European matches away from their usual stadium while redevelopment work was underway.
Long-term redevelopment plans already in motion
The club’s ownership group, led by Indonesian billionaires Robert and Michael Hartono, have already unveiled plans for a major redevelopment of the stadium.
The project aims to modernise Sinigaglia and increase capacity to between 15,000 and 20,000 seats, while preserving its iconic lakeside setting.
However, the redevelopment is expected to take several years, with final completion targeted around 2028, meaning it would not solve the immediate Champions League issue.
FGG Says
Como qualifying for the Champions League would be one of the great modern football fairytales, but it also highlights a growing reality in European football, which is that infrastructure matters as much as performances on the pitch.
The stunning Sinigaglia may be one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, yet its size and outdated facilities show why smaller clubs often struggle when stepping onto the Champions League stage.