Como FC: A Rising Star in the World of Soccer
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Lake Como, Italy, the local soccer club may soon become as renowned as its celebrity neighbors. The historic town has always attracted notable visitors, featuring the villas of stars such as George Clooney and the occasional public appearance from actresses like Kate Beckinsale. But this season, Como FC has emerged as a serious contender in the Serie A league after a remarkable two-decade absence from Italy’s top division.
Como’s revival is not merely due to its scenic views or celebrity culture; it has everything to do with significant investments by Indonesian billionaire brothers, Roberto Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono, who took ownership of the club five years ago while it was languishing in Serie D. Since then, Como has assembled an impressive roster, attracting soccer celebrities like coach Cesc Fabregas and former France international Thierry Henry, who are not just investors but active figures in the club’s ambitions.
Como, a beautiful backdrop for soccer aspirations.
The Hartonos’ investment strategy has been twofold: building a competitive soccer team while transforming Como into a premier soccer tourism destination. Mirwan Suwarso, who manages the club for the Hartonos, emphasizes this vision, stating, “Investing exclusively in soccer comes with unpredictable risks. Here we’re relying on a brand.” They aspire to elevate the club’s stature, aiming for it to be a beacon for soccer enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Como has successfully signed a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. Among them are former Liverpool and Napoli goalkeeper, Pepe Reina; Barcelona’s ex-captain, Sergi Roberto; and even Raphael Varane, who recently announced his retirement from playing but aims to stay involved in another capacity. Notable young talents like Nico Paz from Real Madrid and 22-year-old Gambian winger Alieu Fadera from Genk underline the club’s ambitious recruitment policy.
Currently, Como’s homegrown talent, Patrick Cutrone, formerly of AC Milan, shines brightest. Tied at the top of the league scoring chart with four goals in just six matches, Cutrone stated, “The ambitions are high. But the first objective remains avoiding relegation.” Amid a competitive league, the stakes are high for a newly-promoted club, but recent performances show Como is ready for the challenge.
Stellar Performances
In their latest matches, Como has made headlines. They had an impressive draw against Champions League team Bologna and secured a thrilling victory over Atalanta, another European contender. They now sit comfortably in the top half of the Serie A table—position 10—despite the tough competition. Recognizing they are the “revelation of the season,” Napoli coach Antonio Conte does not shy away from praising Como’s upstart performance.
Amid this sporting success, the club is taking strategic steps to embrace its foreign supporters. With 40% of tickets purchased by foreign fans, the team is teaming up with Lake Como Tourism to attract even more visitors. To respect the longtime supporters who have remained loyal during the club’s lower-tier days, Como will not increase ticket prices for current season ticket holders, ensuring a more inclusive environment for true fans.
Como FC’s journey in Serie A has been nothing short of extraordinary.
As the club gears up for their upcoming match against Napoli, Fabregas reflects on the opportunity to face his former coach, Conte, who once advised him to consider his future at Chelsea. Fabregas recounts, “It was the first time in my career that someone had said something like that to me,” emphasizing how such honesty ignited his motivation to excel. Their professional relationship blossomed as they celebrated a Premier League title together at Chelsea, with Fabregas learning invaluable lessons in resilience and tactics.
The growing competition in Serie A reflects a broader, more dynamic transformation in Italian soccer, driven by clubs like Como that blend historical allure with contemporary ambition. As they strive for sustained success in the top division, Como FC not only represents a compelling narrative for soccer enthusiasts but also signifies the potential of reinventions in sports.
On this remarkable journey, Como FC not only seeks to cement its status at the top of Italian football but also hopes to draw tourists, fans, and legends alike into its enchanting embrace. Where soccer meets scenic beauty, Lake Como is poised to be a transformative highlight on the European football landscape.
Conclusion
Como FC’s significant rise reflects a broader trend in sports, where traditional clubs redefine their identities through strategic investments and community involvement. With a mix of star power and skilled players, Como is not just a footnote in this season’s Serie A—it’s shaping up to be a formidable contender. Whether the team’s ambitions of avoiding relegation transform into a push for greater achievements remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Como FC is a club on the rise. As fans and players rally behind its vision, the beautiful game continues to flourish in one of Italy’s most picturesque locales.
