Como could soon step onto the European stage, but its historic lakeside stadium is becoming a serious limitation. Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is not keeping up with the club’s ambitions, while UEFA requirements continue to grow. Will the upgrade come in time to avoid playing away from home?

Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia does not meet UEFA standards

The biggest obstacle to hosting European matches in Como is the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia itself. Opened in 1927, the ground has sufficient capacity, as UEFA regulations require only around 8,000 seats — fewer than the minimum threshold in Serie A. The real issue lies in the stadium infrastructure.

One of the main obstacles concerns the structure of the stands. Under UEFA regulations, all sectors must rest on permanent load-bearing structures, while part of the seating at Sinigaglia is supported by temporary tubular elements. This mainly affects the home supporters’ section, which in its current form does not comply with European requirements.

The list of shortcomings is considerably longer. The stadium needs an adequate number of VIP facilities — roughly 100 seats in the stands and about 150 parking spaces for special guests, both currently lacking. Media infrastructure must also be expanded, including a larger press room, additional space for television cameras and more working areas for photographers.

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Space constraints and heritage restrictions around Sinigaglia

Upgrading the stadium is further complicated by its unique location on the shore of Lake Como. The area around the ground is extremely limited and subject to landscape and heritage protection rules. As a result, any infrastructure changes must comply with strict cultural preservation regulations.

Other elements also require improvement: stadium lighting, public-address and safety announcement systems, the number of restrooms, space for medical services and the organization of crowd flow at the stadium entrances and exits.

The pitch itself is also part of the discussion. Head coach Cesc Fàbregas oversaw a recent widening of the field to 66 meters, but UEFA rules require a width of 68 meters.

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Plan B – matches in another city

If the modernization is not completed in time, the club will have to stage its European matches outside Como. Last season, the designated backup venue was the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine. This time, however, the club is considering a closer option — most likely the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia.

Club officials stress that their main objective is to launch modernization works as soon as possible and allow the team to play what could be historic European matches at their own lakeside stadium.