Como President eyes ‘more Italians’ and stadium upgrade for Europe

President Mirwan Suwarso says that the club aim to sign more Italian players and will soon begin renovations to make Stadio Sinigaglia eligible for European matches.

Como have made history by qualifying for Europe for the first time ever and can still aim for a Champions League spot, as they are just two points behind Roma and Milan in fourth.

Their home ground, the Stadio Sinigaglia, currently does not comply with UEFA regulations for European matches, but the Azzurri aim to develop the stadium in time for next season.

“We hope so. We expect to complete the refurbishment works at the end of the summer. The works can begin immediately after Sunday’s game against Parma,” Suwarso told Gazzetta.

Como need just one point in the last two games of the season to earn Europa League qualification, but can still fight for a Champions League spot as well.

“Jokes aside, we want to finish as high as possible, but we’ll take what life gives us,” said the Como President.

“The Champions League is not important, as our target is to do better than the year before.”

Qualification for Europe means Como will need to make new signings to prepare for three competitions next season.

“There will be some operations, but we don’t have to start from scratch,” Suwarso said.

“We already have a strong identity. The core of the team is already there. There will be 23 players returning from loans, and we’ll have to find the best solution to make our transfers sustainable.”

The Azzurri have been among the biggest spenders in Serie A over the past two years, leading some to argue that their impressive sporting results are unsurprising given their substantial budget.

“We don’t care what people say. Obviously, having resources helps, but football is full of examples where this equation hasn’t led anywhere,” Suwarso replied.

Como President: Italian players are ‘expensive’
“The focus is not on how money is spent, but on making a club profitable and sustainable. The target is to do so in the next two or three years.”

Would Champions League qualification help Como keep Nico Paz?

“No, it all depends on Real Madrid,” insisted Suwarso.

Como will also need to add more Italians to their team to comply with UEFA regulations for European competitions.

“We are always looking for more Italians. We bought four in our first Serie A season,” Suwarso said.

“The problem is that they are expensive and we can’t pay them in instalments. We are developing four or five Italian players who we hope will be ready for the first team. I like many of them, Orsolini, Bastoni, Dimarco, but we can’t afford them. Venturino is also strong, like Cambiaghi and Lazio’s Pellegrini.”

Suwarso also spoke highly of the Italian football environment, highlighting the off-field collaboration with many other clubs.

“It’s a very welcoming country, like Indonesia to some extent,” he said.

“I’ve also found excellent examples of entrepreneurship and many friends who have inspired me. Percassi, Marotta, Fenucci, Lotito, De Laurentiis. The clubs compete on the pitch, but off the pitch, there are ideas for mutual support and to make the league grow. Compared to other experiences I’ve had elsewhere in Italy, there is a great closeness and a collaborative spirit.”