Como is pulling off another miracle Bringing the Champions League at the Sinigaglia stadium

Last May, we dedicated an article to Como’s rise, focusing on why a potential qualification for European competition would only represent the beginning—or at least another milestone—of a much broader project. Among the key points we highlighted was that the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia would be the most practical solution for hosting European matches, as the Stadio Sinigaglia did not meet UEFA requirements. That scenario was later confirmed by the FIGC in the official statement announcing which Italian clubs had been granted a UEFA license. Italian Default

Since then, Como have secured qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League and, through club president Mirwan Suwarso, confirmed that construction work on the new stadium will begin by 2027. At the same time, the club is pursuing a dream that only a few weeks ago seemed impossible: hosting their Champions League home matches at the Stadio Sinigaglia.

How the stadium is being upgraded to meet UEFA requirements

Renovation work on the stadium began on May 18, the day after Como's final home match of the Serie A season. The most significant intervention involved the West Stand, with the demolition of the temporary tubular structure and its replacement with a permanent concrete stand. Under UEFA regulations, stadiums must feature permanent load-bearing structures to ensure maximum safety and stability.

Based on the images released so far, the new stand appears to follow the same design as the previous one: a steep grandstand, slightly taller than the rest of the stadium's seating. The major difference is that it is now a single concrete structure replacing the former tubular stand, which was split into two sections. New seats will also be installed after the previous ones were sold at auction.

Another important detail is that the new stand has been moved closer to the pitch and will accommodate more spectators, increasing capacity from 3,960 in the previous tubular structure to 4,250 seats in the new concrete stand. As for the stadium's overall capacity, Espansione TV reports that the venue will effectively have two different capacities: "A lower one for Champions League matches, with just under 11,000 seats, as the tubular sections in the Distinti stand and the Monumento stand cannot be used under UEFA regulations. For Serie A matches, capacity will instead be just under 12,400."

While the work on the West Stand is the most visible part of the project, Como's attempt to bring Champions League football to Lake Como also depends on several other improvements. For instance, the pitch has been widened from the 65-66 metres used last season to 68 metres for the 2026/27 season. In addition, further upgrades are planned to increase parking availability—handled by the local municipality—as well as improve all media facilities, from the mixed zone to commentary positions and the press tribune.

When will the first match be played?

The renovated Stadio Sinigaglia is expected to be inaugurated in the coming weeks. Como hope the stadium will be ready by September 13, when Cesc Fàbregas' side will play their first home league match after receiving permission from the Lega Serie A to play their opening three matches of the 2026/27 season away from home. If the stadium is completed a few days earlier, it is plausible that, should Como be drawn at home for their opening match of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase (September 8-10, 2026), they will be able to play it at the Stadio Sinigaglia. The chances become even greater if Como are scheduled to play their first Champions League fixture away from home, given that Matchday 2 will take place on October 13-14, following the newly extended international break.