Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia

Sinigaglia is one of the oldest continuously used football stadiums in Italy, and its history of more than a century mirrors the fortunes of football in Como.

Construction and naming

The stadium was built on the orders of Benito Mussolini as part of the Fascist regime's programme of public construction projects across Italy. Architect Giovanni Greppi completed the design and the stadium opened in 1927. It was named after Giuseppe Sinigaglia -- a decorated Italian rower and soldier who was killed in World War I and became a symbol of courage and patriotism. Sinigaglia had represented Italy at the Olympic Games during his athletic career.

Renovations and development

Over the decades, the stadium has passed through various upgrade and renovation cycles to meet evolving safety and capacity requirements for Serie A and Serie B. After Como spent many years in the lower divisions, the arrival of new ownership under Robert Hartford (from 2019) brought renewed investment focus on the ground. Ongoing work on the stands and back-of-house facilities aims to fulfil the criteria set by FIGC for top-flight football.

Notable moments

The stadium's most celebrated era was Como's time in Serie A during the 1980s and early 1990s, when Sinigaglia hosted top-division fixtures against the biggest clubs in Italy. The return to Serie A in 2023 opened a new chapter -- matches against Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus returned to the lakeside ground after decades away.

The atmosphere at Sinigaglia is unlike any other football ground in Italy -- the small capacity, the lake backdrop and the proximity of the stands to the pitch combine to produce an intimacy that far larger arenas cannot replicate.

Fan culture

Como 1907 has a loyal local following that has stayed with the club through prolonged periods in the lower leagues. The fan culture is characteristic of northern Italian football -- passionate but not aggressive, with a strong tradition of family attendance. The club's return to Serie A in 2023 sparked a rapid sell-out of season tickets and significantly raised its media profile. The fact that Sinigaglia is one of the most visually stunning grounds in Italian football draws neutral visitors and football tourists from across Europe and beyond.

Big matches

The headline fixtures of the current era are home Serie A games against Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan -- opponents who had not visited the lakeside ground for a generation. In the 1980s, Sinigaglia regularly hosted Sampdoria, Hellas Verona and Lazio in the top flight. Evening matches with the sun setting over Lake Como have been described by journalists and supporters alike as a genuinely unique experience in European football.

Visiting Sinigaglia is a distinctive experience for the football traveller, combining top-flight football with one of Europe's most beautiful natural settings. The limited capacity means tickets for attractive fixtures must be secured well in advance.

How to get there

• Train: Como's main station, Como San Giovanni, is approximately 15 minutes on foot from the stadium -- the most reliable and convenient option
• Bus: local city bus routes connect the centre of Como to the stadium; services are reinforced on matchdays
• Car: parking options in central Como are limited; park-and-ride or parking further from the lake and walking the lakeside promenade is recommended
• From Milan: trains from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni take approximately 40 minutes, making Sinigaglia an ideal day-trip destination from the Lombardy capital

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Como 1907 matches are available through the club's official website and at the stadium box office. Demand has risen sharply following promotion to Serie A -- for high-profile opponents, purchasing well ahead of matchday is strongly advised. Regular public stadium tours are not currently offered; group visits can be arranged by contacting the club directly.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: at least 45 minutes before kick-off -- central Como is compact and matchday crowds can slow progress
• Nearby attractions: the Lake Como promenade, Como's historic cathedral, and boat trips on the lake are ideal complements to a matchday visit
• Weather: spring and autumn offer the best conditions; lakeside humidity can make winter fixtures surprisingly cold