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Arsenal vs Como: Everything you should know about the Italian side
11th August, 2026 07:18 PM
Arsenal will bring their 2026/27 pre-season programme to a close when they welcome Italian club Como 1907 to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 10:30 pm EAT.
The Gunners have returned to north London following their Emirates Cup meeting with Borussia Dortmund, with the Como fixture serving as their final warm-up before the competitive action begins against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Wednesday’s encounter will also mark the first meeting between Arsenal and Como. Here is a closer look at the visitors.
Como’s history
Como’s story began on May 25, 1907, when a group of members met at the Taroni bar and established the club.
Within seven years, the club had reached its first major Italian competition, collecting seven points from an 18-game campaign.
The club spent considerable periods competing in Italy’s top division during the 20th century. However, financial difficulties eventually sent Como tumbling through the leagues, culminating in bankruptcy and their removal from the country’s professional football system.
Another financial collapse followed in 2017, resulting in Como starting again in Serie D.
A major change came two years later when Indonesian tobacco company Djarum Group took ownership of the club. Investment and improved organisation helped Como climb steadily through the Italian football structure.
Their remarkable rise culminated in 2024 when they returned to Serie A for the first time in 21 years.
After successfully avoiding relegation during their first campaign back in the top flight, Como produced an even more impressive 2025/26 season, earning qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
Home ground
Como have played their home matches at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia since 1927.
The venue is named after Giuseppe Sinigaglia, a Como-born rower and decorated war hero.
The stadium accommodated 12,064 fans last season but has recently undergone redevelopment to satisfy UEFA requirements ahead of Como’s participation in European competition.
Following the work, capacity has increased to 12,379. The improvements have also included the installation of an undersoil heating system, upgrades to media and hospitality facilities, and better accessibility.
A historic 2025/26 campaign
Como’s 2025/26 season will be remembered as one of the finest in the club’s history.
Cesc Fabregas’ team made a steady start, winning six of their first 13 matches while suffering only one defeat before December. That consistency kept them within reach of the European qualification places.
Como remained among the leading six teams after the turn of the year before producing an outstanding spell between February and March, when they recorded five consecutive victories.
One of those wins came away to Juventus and significantly strengthened their hopes of securing Champions League football.
They entered the final round of matches with an outside chance of finishing in the Champions League places. Como then delivered when it mattered, beating 10-man Cremonese 4-1.
At the same time, AC Milan suffered defeat against Cagliari, allowing Como to move above the Rossoneri and claim a historic place in Europe’s premier club competition.
Cesc Fabregas at the helm
Fabregas is a familiar figure to Arsenal supporters.
The Spanish midfielder joined Arsenal in 2003 and made his senior debut for the club at only 16. He went on to establish himself as one of the team’s key players, making more than 300 appearances and wearing the captain’s armband between November 2008 and May 2011.
After leaving Arsenal, Fabregas represented Barcelona, Chelsea and Monaco before spending his final season as a professional player with Como.
He subsequently moved into coaching and became Como’s manager in July 2024.
The former World Cup winner has now overseen 83 games as the club’s permanent head coach, recording 36 victories in competitive fixtures.
Players to watch
Following their historic Champions League qualification, Como have strengthened their squad ahead of the new campaign.
One of their notable additions is defender Trevoh Chalobah, who has completed a permanent move from Chelsea.
Another experienced name in the squad is Alvaro Morata. The 33-year-old striker, who has previously played for Chelsea, Real Madrid and Juventus, has also made his stay permanent after initially joining from AC Milan on loan.
Nico Paz was among Como’s most influential performers last season. The Argentine attacking midfielder joined from Real Madrid and has spent the past two campaigns with the Italian club.
His creativity makes him one of Fabregas’ most dangerous attacking players.
Paz finished the previous season with 13 goals in all competitions. Only Tasos Douvikas scored more for Como, with the forward registering 17 goals across Serie A and the Coppa Italia. Meanwhile, Arsenal will be looking to put their 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund aside ahead of the clash against Como, with Manchester City following in the Community Shield.
