Como: A Hidden Gem in Serie A Amidst Celebrity Glamour
Introduction
Located in the breathtaking region of Italy’s Lombardy, Lake Como is famously known for its scenic landscapes and as a favorite retreat for celebrities like George Clooney and Kate Beckinsale. However, in recent times, there’s another reason to flock to this picturesque destination: the excellent performance of A.C. Como, which has made waves in its first season back in the Serie A after a long hiatus of over twenty years.
A view of Lake Como, a favorite vacation spot for celebrities.
The Rise of Como
Since its acquisition by Indonesian billionaires Roberto Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono, the team has made significant strides starting from Serie D. Under their management and with the vision to establish Como as a premier soccer tourism destination, the club has managed to attract not just local but also international attention, bringing in star players and coaches alike. The addition of prominent figures like Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry into the ownership bracket has further elevated Como’s profile.
Mirwan Suwarso, who oversees the club, shared, > “We chose to invest in Como because investing exclusively in soccer comes with unpredictable risks. Here we’re relying on a brand: We want to make this the top soccer tourism destination in the world.”
Player Highlights
Como has certainly attracted notable talent to their ranks, with players from renowned clubs across Europe. The team features veterans such as former Liverpool and Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina and ex-Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto. Despite hanging up his boots, former Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane continues to contribute to the club in a different capacity.
One standout performer is Alberto Moreno, who made an immediate impact by playing every minute in Como’s first six Serie A matches following his move as a free agent from Villarreal. Meanwhile, the younger prospects include Nico Paz, a 20-year-old midfielder signed from Real Madrid, and Alieu Fadera, a 22-year-old forward from Genk.
Perhaps the most intriguing narrative is that of Patrick Cutrone, the Como-born striker who, after his tenure at AC Milan, has found himself at the top of the league’s scoring chart with four goals in just six matches. His determination embodies the club’s ambitions this season.
Como players preparing for a crucial match.
Como’s Standing in Serie A
Coach Antonio Conte of Napoli has acknowledged Como’s impressive start, declaring, > “Como is the revelation of the season.” The team’s resilience was apparent in their draws against Bologna and Atalanta, both Champions League contenders, and their victory over Hellas Verona has positioned them comfortably in the top half of the table.
Cutrone acknowledged the team’s aspirations, noting the dual objectives for the season. > “The ambitions are high. But the first objective remains avoiding relegation. Then we’ll see about the rest.”
A Community Commitment
Beyond their competitive spirit, Como FC has also initiated partnerships with Lake Como Tourism to boost local travel and engagement. Remarkably, 40% of the tickets sold this season have gone to international visitors. Suwarso emphasized the importance of rewarding loyal fans during this period of growth, stating that season ticket prices for long-time supporters have remained unchanged, honoring their commitment despite the club’s higher profile now.
A glimpse of the coaching staff during a training session.
Cesc Fabregas: A Return to Naples
As the team prepares to face Napoli at the iconic Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the matchup holds personal significance for Fabregas, who once thrived under Conte’s tutelage at Chelsea. Their shared history is interlaced with moments of challenge and triumph, reflecting Fabregas’s growth as a player.
In reflecting on his time with Conte, Fabregas recalled the coach’s forthright advice when he first arrived at Chelsea. > “It was the first time in my career, or maybe in my life, that someone had said something like that to me.” This tough-love approach eventually saw Fabregas flourish, attributing his development to Conte’s demanding style.
Conte, in return, believes that Fabregas possesses the qualities of a future coach, commending his curiosity and desire to learn.
Conclusion
As Como continues to carve its niche in the world of soccer, the blend of celebrity allure and sporting ambition creates a unique narrative for fans and tourists alike. With its impressive roster and community focus, Como is not just a destination for prominent figures but a rising star in the Serie A landscape, making it a compelling chapter in the unfolding story of Italian football.
Celebrating a hard-fought win on the pitch.
Visit Como for an unforgettable experience at the intersection of glamour and football.
