“It’s a special night,” Cesc Fabregas told Sky Italia after Como secured a 4-1 victory over Manchester United at the Sinigaglia, marking the most prestigious win in the club’s history and leaving the visiting away section emptying out with 15 minutes still remaining.
How Como Dismantled Manchester United on the Lake
The away end at the Sinigaglia emptied before a public service announcement could even instruct Manchester United’s travelling fans to remain seated. Supporters had not witnessed their side lose by such a margin in Italy in nearly 20 years. In the stands, Ryan Giggs watched from the rows behind, bearing a familiar ashen-faced expression not seen since the 2007 Champions League semi-final against Milan when Kaka dominated the pitch.
Como prepared meticulously for the fixture. Fabregas and his coaching staff compiled a 14-page dossier on United, detailing strategies to build attacks directly from goalkeeper Jean Butez—a €2 million bargain buy from Antwerp—while instructing Lucas Da Cunha to drop deep into a back five to neutralize United’s transitions. Out-of-work managers Roberto Martinez and Stefano Pioli observed from the stands as Maximo Perrone and Luis Milla, acquired from Getafe for a fee, controlled the tempo of the match.
The Financial and Scouting Blueprint Behind the Rise
The club’s trajectory traces back to starkly different conditions. Alessandro Gabrielloni, a 32-year-old forward currently on loan at Palermo, recalled joining Como in 2018 when the team lacked a proper training pitch and endured months of unpaid wages. Things shifted after an Indonesian conglomerate backed by the billionaire Hartono brothers took over the club through president Mirwan Suwarso.
While Como’s net spend upon returning to Serie A for the first time in 21 years reached the league’s highest mark for two consecutive seasons, the starting lineup against United highlighted shrewd recruitment. The center-back pairing of Marc-Oliver Kempf and Jacobo Ramon cost a combined fee. Meanwhile, Nico Paz proved worth every cent of the €60 million valuation agreed with Real Madrid—a deal structured over six years with an initial €10 million outlay, though Real Madrid hold a buy-back option for 2027.
Inside the Disney Business Model Driving the Club
President Mirwan Suwarso operates the club under a structured corporate framework. “I like to think of our business model in a way similar to Disney,” Suwarso stated regarding the organization’s approach. Under this structure, the football club and matchday experience function as the organization’s theme park division, supported by separate merchandising, licensing, luxury clothing, media, and hospitality branches.
That commercial vision pairs with aggressive on-field recruitment overseen by sporting director Charlie Ludi and a data team utilizing Jamestown Analytics. Signings like Moise Kean and Trevoh Chalobah watched from the hospitality area as Como secured the statement win, demonstrating squad depth even as winger Jesus Rodriguez sat out due to an injury sustained in the final training session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Como’s Historic Win
What was the final score of the Como and Manchester United match?
Como defeated Manchester United 4-1 at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia stadium, marking United’s heaviest defeat in Italy since 2007.
How much did Como pay Real Madrid for Nico Paz?
Como agreed to a €60 million deal split over six years with an initial payment of €10 million, though Real Madrid retain a buy-back clause for 2027.
Where did Como rank in Serie A spending after promotion?
Upon returning to Serie A for the first time in 21 years, Como recorded the highest net spend in the league for two consecutive seasons.
Who oversees the club’s corporate and ownership operations?
Mirwan Suwarso manages the club on behalf of the Indonesian conglomerate Djarum, backed by the billionaire Hartono family.
Celebrity Guests Join Rain-Soaked Supporters at Stadium
Among the spectators in the executive area was UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti, who conversed with Suwarso prior to kickoff. Actress Florence Pugh attended the match alongside her partner, joining a crowd that braved relentless rain to watch the team execute their tactical blueprint. As the final whistle blew, the Como ultras reaffirmed their aspirations from the stands, continuing to sing the refrain that has soundtracked their ascent: “facci sognare”—make us dream.