Italian club Como are gearing up for what staff members have labelled the biggest night in their history as they prepare to host Manchester United in the Champions League. The English giants arrive in Italy enduring a six-game winless streak—their most difficult run of form since the 2018-19 season—yet their international profile remains formidable. For Como, facing the three-time European champions at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia illustrates a rapid transformation, particularly given that the Italian side were competing in the semi-professional ranks of Serie D when United last won the Champions League in 2008.
Como's dramatic rise gained momentum after they dropped into amateur football in 2017 due to financial difficulties, which eventually drew the interest of London-based media company Sent Entertainment, owned by Indonesian billionaires Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono. After completing a takeover in 2019, the owners initially envisioned a television project featuring young Indonesian footballers. However, unexpected sporting success forced that concept aside. Under manager Cesc Fabregas, who initially joined the club as a player five seasons ago in Serie B, Como secured fourth place in the 2025-26 Serie A campaign by capitalising on an AC Milan loss against Cagliari.
Off the pitch, the club is drawing global attention, supported by high-profile investors including former France internationals Thierry Henry and Raphael Varane. The picturesque 12,300-capacity home stadium borders Lake Como—which measures 29 miles in length and 2.5 miles across at certain points—where matchdays feature boat tours and lakeside hospitality. Despite concerns regarding heavy rain forecast for kick-off on a ground that is three-quarters uncovered, and questions regarding compliance with UEFA's financial regulations, chief executive Mirwan Surwaso remains relaxed. Speaking on Piers Morgan's Football Uncensored Podcast, Surwaso stated that the club is not overly worried because their accounts are always kept in order.
For Fabregas, maintaining focus on upcoming challenges is crucial amidst the remarkable journey. The former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona midfielder acknowledged that current circumstances represent "another world" compared to when his playing days ended, but he has urged his squad to stay humble rather than dwell on earlier achievements. Dedicated supporters such as Federico Borghi and Marco Melillo, who stood by the club during the Serie D era when crowds were counted only in the hundreds, now prepare to watch Como confront one of football's biggest global names on European football's grandest stage.