Manchester United fans face a wait to learn where their UEFA Champions League match against Como will be played as the Italian club awaits final approval from UEFA to host matches at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium.
Como are confident of receiving the green light from European football's governing body after completing three months of major renovation work at their home ground on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas guided Como into the Champions League for the first time in the club's history last season by securing a fourth-placed finish in Serie A. However, the club's off-pitch infrastructure was not initially up to UEFA standards for Europe's premier club competition, leading to suggestions that Sassuolo's Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia could host their European fixtures as an alternative.
Major renovations at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia
Extensive renovation work began on Como's stadium as soon as the final whistle blew after their last home game of the 2025-26 season due to the tight timeframe before the new European campaign.
Como have spent the past three months overhauling facilities at the Sinigaglia, and UEFA officials are now close to approving the stadium's hosting rights for the upcoming season.
Michael Carrick's Manchester United side are scheduled to visit Como during the league phase of the tournament. European champions Paris Saint-Germain, German outfit RB Leipzig, and Greek side AEK Athens are also scheduled to visit the venue during the expanded opening stage of the competition.
Upgraded facilities and safety approval
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 meet UEFA standards. A brand new concrete stand with solid foundations has been constructed in its place.
A new pitch has been laid and extended by two-and-a-half metres, while workers have also relocated the players' tunnel and the substitutes' benches. Significant improvements have been carried out inside the main stadium building, including upgraded dressing rooms and enhanced media facilities featuring a new mixed zone, television studio, and press room.
To satisfy UEFA requirements for extensive broadcast operations, Como also addressed a shortage of parking by partnering with a local college to secure an additional 150 parking spaces.
Earlier this week, local authorities and the fire department inspected the completed improvement works and officially ratified the stadium from a safety perspective, clearing a major hurdle ahead of the decision from UEFA.
Rise from Serie D to elite European football
The prospect of hosting top European opposition comes after a remarkable rise for Como, who were playing in Serie D, the fourth tier of Italian football, just seven years ago.
Como President Mirwan Suwarso admitted that the club's rapid journey to the top of the European game remains difficult to comprehend as they prepare to welcome giants such as Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
"It's a surreal experience. We were in Serie D just seven years ago; now we're in Serie A and in the Champions League," Suwarso told Sky Sport Italia. "We can't believe it. For us, it's very important just to be here. We think day by day. We'll try our best and enjoy the moment."
"We can only do our best; results will say the rest. The most important thing for us is to enjoy," Suwarso added. "For as much as we would like to say we'd like to experience it again, we must not take it for granted; perhaps tomorrow we won't be here."
Como are now awaiting formal confirmation from UEFA before confirming match arrangements for travelling Manchester United supporters.
