Como may now draw crowds of thousands, but the loyal supporters who attended when only a few hundred people turned up are still by the club’s side.
“My uncle was a Como supporter,” said Marco Melillo, a fan who lives outside the city.
“He showed me his sticker album, and the moment I saw the blue shirt and club colours, I became completely fascinated.
“Many people in England follow lower-division clubs, but that is less common in Italy, where supporters often choose the biggest teams. That never appealed to me. I had no interest in following a club simply because it won trophies. I loved the colours and the stadium, and when I visited and saw the lake, I was amazed.
“We understand that the club is enjoying the greatest period in its history. However, when I look at the men and women who were also here during the Serie D years, there is an unspoken understanding between us. We want this journey to continue for as long as possible and bring the best possible results. But if it suddenly comes to an end, as difficult moments have happened before, we know we will still be here.”
Local supporter Federico Borghi arrived despite the poor weather, carrying his enormous book documenting Como’s history from 1907 to 2007.
“I began attending matches at the stadium in 2008,” he said. “Even in our wildest dreams, we could not have imagined playing against Manchester United. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
“From the first moment I stepped inside the stadium, I knew supporting this club would become part of who I am. Staying through the difficult years only deepened my loyalty and strengthened my bond with Como.
“English football’s highest division has always inspired me, so competing against one of the world’s three or four most prominent clubs is an enormous privilege.”
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