Como surges from humble roots to serie a contender

In a stunning rise from the depths of Serie D, Como has become a top contender in Italy's elite league, propelled by the vision of Indonesian billionaire owners and the tactical acumen of a Catalan coach.

From bankruptcy to champions league hopes

Seven years ago, in the spring of 2019, Como was a team reborn after narrowly avoiding relegation to the fifth tier. Led by former Genoa and Roma striker Marco Banchini, the squad boasted a star-studded lineup featuring Silvano Raggio Garibaldi, a midfielder groomed by the Genoa academy, and Alessandro Gabrielloni, a prodigious young striker on loan from Juventus.

Indonesian investment sparks resurgence

A month later, in April 2019, Como was acquired by an English company with Indonesian ownership, controlled by the Hartono brothers, tobacco tycoons listed among the world's richest individuals. Michael Hartono, 86, passed away in recent days, leaving behind a legacy of transforming the team into a Serie A powerhouse.

Few noticed why two billionaires from Indonesia, whose fortunes were built on tobacco, would invest in a struggling Italian club with a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when Paolo Rossi and Marco Tardelli famously played for Como before going on to win the World Cup.

Now, in the spring of 2026, Como is in the mix for the ChampionsLeague, occupying the fourth and final qualifying spot. With its sights set on Europe's premier competition, the team's remarkable journey from the brink of obscurity to the cusp of greatness serves as a testament to the power of visionary ownership and shrewd management.