The Como Cup inauguration as seen from the pitch The reportage from the Sinigaglia stadium for Como vs Al Ahli
On Wednesday evening, we watched from pitchside the opening of the Como Cup, the prestigious international tournament taking place at the Sinigaglia Stadium. A top-level event that, alongside the home team Como led by Cesc Fàbregas, features renowned clubs such as Ajax, Celtic, and Al-Ahli. An ambitious event, as confirmed by club president Mirwan Suwarso, who revealed that the broadcasting rights were sold to 25 international networks. Even outside the stadium, before picking up our accreditation and entering, there was an international atmosphere: conversations in English, German, and many other languages echoed among attendees, giving the impression of being at a true European competition. Everything, on and off the pitch, reflected an event meticulously planned. Nothing suggested that Como-Al-Ahli was just a simple summer friendly: the official adidas match ball displayed on a pedestal, as seen on big Champions League nights; the theatrical entrance setup for the teams; Como’s new Home jersey reflecting the lake’s shimmer; and Rhuigi Villaseñor, the club’s creative director, elegantly presenting the Como Cup to the crowd in a navy blue suit paired with a crisp white shirt.
The rest was up to the players on the pitch. On one side, players like Sergi Roberto, Caqueret, and Baturina; on the other, stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, Galeno, and Allan Saint-Maximin. The pace of the match, particularly in the first half, closely resembled that of official games, and if not for the sweltering late-July heat, it felt like witnessing a major European tournament clash. The crowd further confirmed the energy of the night—fully engaged and emotionally involved: from the roar after captain Patrick Cutrone scored, to the whistles at the referee’s controversial decisions, and the shouts at opponents trying to waste time. Real, authentic emotions, which peaked with the most anticipated moment—the arrival of the two crowd favorites: Nico Paz, the 2004-born talent who won over both kids and adults, evidenced by the flood of number 79 shirts in the stands, and Alessandro Gabrielloni, the emotional hero of the fans, welcomed with a standing ovation.
The Como Cup is more than just football—it's the symbol of a long-term strategic project led by the club. The goal is ambitious and follows two key directions: on one hand, to attract tourists and position Como as a recognizable football destination internationally, leveraging the charm of the lake and the growing sporting relevance of the team; on the other, to enhance offerings for sponsors, companies, and VIP guests, raising the quality of experiences in premium areas. This approach aims to gradually reduce the cost of general tickets, with a clear goal: to make access to the Curva completely free within three years. A model inspired by the successful case of Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany, proving that accessibility and economic sustainability can coexist. In this context, the Como Cup represents just the first tangible step in a broader vision that blends football, local territory, and innovation.
