If you were to design a football stadium in a dream, you’d probably put it right on the water’s edge. You’d flank it with snow-capped mountains, dot the surrounding hills with Renaissance villas. ?In Como, this isn’t a dream. It’s just a standard match day at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
?For decades, Lake Como has been the retreat of Hollywood royalty. But recently, the world has started taking notice of the city for a very different reason: the rapid, fairy-tale rise of Como 1907.
For the Irish football fan looking to trade the rain-soaked terraces for something a little more Dolce Vita, there is simply no better away day.
?The "Hollywood" Revolution
?Only a few short years ago, this historic club was languishing in the lower tiers of Italian football, bankrupt and forgotten. Today, it is one of the most exciting projects in Europe. Saved by the ambitious Hartono brothers and sprinkled with stardust from minority owners like Thierry Henry and Cesc Fàbregas—who now commands the dugout as head coach—Como 1907 has become a global curiosity.
?But make no mistake, this isn't just a vanity project. It is a serious football operation that has taken Serie A by storm currently sitting 5th in the league table. Fresh from promotion, the Lariani are not just surviving; they are thriving. The city is currently buzzing with "Cup Fever" following a dramatic run to the Coppa Italia Semi-Finals. Having already dispatched the reigning champions Napoli in a penalty shootout thriller, the belief around the city is palpable. For Como to be chasing European qualification so soon is a testament to the club's smart recruitment and Fàbregas's tactical acumen.
Ultras and Seaplanes
?What sets Como apart is how it has seamlessly merged the grit of Calcio with the glamour of its location. The club has masterfully leveraged the lake as its unique selling point, creating a tourism model that is alien to most football fans.
?Here, the "matchday experience" doesn't begin in a crowded train station. It can begin on a boat or seaplane. Fans can take a ferry from the northern villages like Bellagio or Varenna, arriving at the pier just a stone’s throw from the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The stadium itself is an architectural gem, built in the 1920s, where the Curva offers a view of the pitch in the foreground and the shimmering lake in the background. From the top tier you see seaplanes taking off and ferries gliding past luxury villas.
?Yet, for all the scenic beauty, the atmosphere inside is pure, unadulterated Italian football.
The Curva Como is a mesmerizing spectacle of continuous, synchronized flag-waving, driven by the relentless, rhythmic chants of the ultras that echo out across the water. It is a passionate, swirling sea of blue and white that does not stop for ninety minutes.
?As expected in Italy, the culinary game here is exceptionally strong, and the club has curated VIP offerings that rival the luxury hotels nearby. The crown jewel is the Como Yacht Club hospitality package. Located just moments from the stadium, this institution of Larian tradition offers understated elegance with panoramic views of Lake Como. Fans can sip sommelier-selected wines and local craft beers while enjoying a gourmet buffet, all before making the short stroll to their premium seats.
?But perhaps the most charming touch is found at the Villa Carminati Resta hospitality area. In a brilliant nod to Italian football culture, Como 1907 has introduced an initiative where the pre-match buffet is inspired by the visiting team's local cuisine. All washed down with a pint from the local 'La Comasca' beer Ape Cars stationed around the stadium. It is a world away from the standard matchday fare.
?The magic of Como’s season was on full display this past Saturday afternoon, as Cesc Fàbregas’s men secured a vital 3-1 victory over Lecce in front of a sun-drenched Stadio Sinigaglia. With the glittering lake serving as a picturesque backdrop, the Lariani played with the swagger of a team destined for European football.
?From the first whistle, Como controlled the tempo, dominating the ball with nearly 70% possession. Lecce did manage to snatch the opener entirely against the run of play in the thirteenth minute, but the visitors never looked like they would be able to hold on—such was the sheer dominance of Como.
?The hosts roared back almost immediately levelling the score just five minutes later, and as the ball hit the back of the net; the historic stadium erupted. The traditional roar of the crowd instantly gave way to the booming, infectious beat of Euro-dance music blasting over the tannoys. It was a glorious, unexpected clash of classic Calcio and unapologetic party vibes that had the entire stadium bouncing.
?Como relentlessly pressed their advantage, leaving Lecce chasing shadows. Going ahead in the 36th minute, before an emphatic diving header right on the stroke of halftime made it 3-1. The second half was a masterclass in game management from Fàbregas's side, restricting Lecce to scraps and ensuring the lakeside party would carry on long into the evening.
?The win does more than just solidify Como’s push for European qualification, it provides the perfect momentum boost ahead of their monumental Coppa Italia Semi-Final clash against Inter on Tuesday.
Getting There:
?For Irish fans, this slice of paradise is surprisingly accessible, but it requires a bit of tactical planning.
Connectivity is excellent. You can fly direct from Ireland West Knock to Bergamo with Ryanair, or catch one of the multiple daily flights from Dublin to Milan Malpensa or Linate (Aer Lingus/Ryanair ). From any of these airports, you are just a train ride away. The train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni takes just 40 minutes and costs less than €10.
?The "Waiting Game":
The only catch with Serie A is the schedule. Fixtures are often not confirmed until 3–4 weeks before kick-off to accommodate TV slots and European games.
?Top Tip: Book your flights and hotel early to get the best rates, but keep your weekend itinerary fluid. Don't book a non-refundable boat tour for Saturday afternoon until the Serie A league office drops the final schedule.
?The "Double-Header": If the stars align, you can sometimes catch a game in Como in the afternoon and zip back to Milan for an evening game at the San Siro to see Inter or AC Milan. It’s the ultimate football weekend.
?Tickets:
The Stadio Sinigaglia is intimate (holding 13,602 fans ) and tickets are like gold dust. They are sold exclusively through the official comofootball.com website. Register your account well in advance and be ready to pounce when tickets drop, usually 2 weeks before the match, but keep an eye on the team socials for updates. The club also offer an array of VIP packages that offer pre match hospitality and premium match seats.
?Beyond the 90 Minutes
?The beauty of a trip to Como is that the "filler" activities are world-class.
?The Brunate Funicular: For the price of a coffee, take the funicular railway up the mountain to Brunate for a panoramic view of the stadium and the Alps.
?Lake Tours: Hop on a public ferry to explore the "Golden Triangle" of the lake.
?Two Countries, One Trip: If your match is on Saturday, spend Sunday in Lugano, Switzerland. It’s only a 35-minute train ride north, letting you tick off another country and enjoy a Swiss lakeside lunch before your flight home.
The Milan Connection: If the lake’s tranquillity feels too quiet, the high-octane energy of Milan is right on your doorstep. Direct trains run roughly every 30 minutes from Como San Giovanni to Milano Centrale, whisking you into the heart of Italy's fashion capital in just 40 minutes for under €10. It’s the perfect excuse to spend a morning at the Duomo or hit the boutiques before heading back to the lakeside for a sunset aperitivo.
?Whether you are there for the luxury hospitality or just to stand in the Curva and sing with the locals, one thing is certain: in Como, the beautiful game has truly found its home.
