Como have received official approval from UEFA to host Champions League matches at their Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium after completing three months of major renovations.
The clearance allows the Italian club to welcome Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and AEK Athens during the upcoming league phase of Europe's premier club competition.
Cesc Fabregas guided Como into the Champions League for the first time in their history last season by securing a fourth-placed finish in Serie A. However, off the pitch, the club's infrastructure fell short of UEFA standards for hosting European matches. Sassuolo's stadium had initially been mooted as a potential alternative venue for Como's home fixtures.
Major stadium upgrades and structural overhaul
Extensive work began at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium as soon as the final whistle blew on Como's last home match of the 2025-26 season. Club executives faced a strict deadline to bring the venue up to European governing body standards before the start of the competition.
One stand behind the goal, which was originally erected as a temporary structure ahead of the 2002-03 season, was completely demolished after failing to satisfy UEFA requirements. Contractors constructed a permanent concrete stand with solid foundations in its place.
Work crews also laid a new pitch and extended the playing surface by two-and-a-half metres. Ground staff relocated both the players' tunnel and the substitutes' benches to fit the expanded field dimensions.
Significant improvements took place inside the stadium facilities as well. Como renovated the dressing rooms and installed upgraded media infrastructure, including a new mixed zone, a dedicated press room and a television studio to accommodate host broadcasters.
Safety clearance and official approval
UEFA enforces strict guidelines regarding media facilities and television broadcast space for Champions League fixtures. Como satisfied additional logistics requirements by partnering with a local college to secure an extra 150 parking spaces near the venue.
Local authorities and the fire department inspected the completed construction work last week and officially approved the stadium from a safety perspective. The local safety clearance served as an essential step towards securing final approval from UEFA.
Daily Mail Sport understands UEFA officials have now formally confirmed that Como can host matches at their home ground on the banks of Lake Como, providing relief to club officials who had worked against the clock.
Remarkable rise from amateur football
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Como President Mirwan Suwarso described the achievement as a surreal experience. He pointed out that Como were competing in Serie D, the fourth tier of Italian football, just seven years ago before climbing to Serie A and securing Champions League qualification.
Suwarso said that the club could not believe their rapid rise and stressed that simply competing at this level is very important to them. He stated that Como will take the tournament day by day, work hard on the pitch and enjoy the moment.
The Como president added that the team will give their best performance and let the results speak for themselves. He noted that while everyone at the club hopes to experience European football again, nobody should take their current success for granted.
Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, located directly on the waterfront of Lake Como, has served as Como's home venue since 1927. The upcoming fixtures bring major European teams to the picturesque stadium, including Michael Carrick's Manchester United team and reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
