When Como defeated Hellas Verona in May to secure a top-four finish ahead of famous Serie A rivals AC Milan and Juventus, work had already begun against the clock on a summer project focused more on the surroundings of the pitch than the action on it.

Como have strengthened their squad with players such as Moise Kean, Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez and former loanee Alvaro Morata, but UEFA stadium regulations meant a rapid renovation programme was needed to make sure their Champions League home fixtures could actually be staged at home.

Manager Cesc Fabregas will take Como into their first-ever match in Europe’s top club competition on Thursday. Owing to a major effort away from the field, that occasion will take place at Stadio Sinigaglia.

Como begin their league-phase campaign against RB Leipzig and will also host Manchester United, AEK Athens and back-to-back European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

At the close of last season, their stadium did not meet Champions League standards, and extensive work has been carried out over the past three months. Had those upgrades not been completed, Como would have had to play those four matches 200km away at Sassuolo’s home ground.

“To meet UEFA requirements, renovation work on the stadium has been completed, including the construction of a new stand and the enhancement of infrastructure, security systems and operational facilities,” Como said in a statement before Leipzig’s visit and the start of the league phase.

“Sinigaglia has been the home of Como 1907 for almost a century. Its role in the city and in the life of the club makes the opportunity to play these matches here particularly special.

“Como 1907 would like to thank everyone who helped make this possible, as well as our fans for their patience and constant support throughout the entire process.”

As a result of the work, Como’s ground has been awarded UEFA Category 4 status. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the renovations included an almost miraculous reconstruction of the Curva Ovest, upgraded floodlights, improved media facilities, better toilets and stronger security systems.

“The pitch was also completely relaid, widened by an additional two metres, and re-turfed with a new-generation hybrid grass, a specific request from Fabregas to facilitate ball possession,” Giulio Saetta reported.

Como have surged forward under the ownership of Indonesian tobacco giant Djarum Group, which took charge in 2019.

The Lariani, having recently returned to the third tier, spent two seasons in Serie C and three in Serie B before winning promotion to the top division in 2023/24.

Djarum appointed Fabregas, previously a player and interim head coach at the club, to lead them into Serie A. They have finished 10th and fourth in the last two seasons and there are few indications that their rise is slowing.