Como fan anthem inspires club shirt as Champions League dream builds
Como have celebrated their remarkable Serie A season by releasing a commemorative shirt dedicated to lifelong supporter and singer-songwriter Davide Van de Sfroos. The club has emblazoned the shirt with lyrics from his song 'Pulènta e Galèna Frègia', which has become an anthem sung by fans at the Stadio Sinigaglia. The move, confirmed by the club, comes as Cesc Fabregas's side continues to challenge for an unlikely place in next season's Champions League.
The 60-year-old Van de Sfroos, born in Monza but raised in Como, described the tribute as a profound emotional moment. He noted that the song, originally released in 1999, was adopted spontaneously by the fans and has now evolved beyond mere music into a symbol of local identity. "It's no longer just music, it's the feeling you get when the team takes the field with all the 'larianità' possible," Van de Sfroos said, referencing the spirit of the Lake Como region.
The fan anthem's promotion by the club's Indonesian ownership, led by president Dennis Suwarso, was highlighted by Van de Sfroos as evidence of a forward-thinking approach. He suggested the ownership has a "long and deep perspective on things," valuing the deep cultural connection between the team and its supporters. This season has seen a resurgence in family attendance at the Sinigaglia, marking a positive shift in the matchday atmosphere.
Van de Sfroos also praised the work of head coach Cesc Fabregas, appreciating his principled approach and sportsmanship in a modern era often dominated by controversy. The singer's comments come amid a sensational campaign that sees Como, recently a Serie C side, sitting in a European qualification spot with just a handful of games remaining in the season.
When discussing the players driving the charge, Van de Sfroos singled out the impact of Nico Paz, Kristijan Baturina, and Matheus Da Cunha, while also acknowledging the contributions of Anastasios Douvikas. He tempered the growing excitement around a potential top-four finish with a note of caution, however, suggesting the club must develop naturally. "Perhaps it's a bit early," he said regarding a Champions League push, citing the need for a more adequate stadium and a measured progression.
The immediate focus remains on the pitch, with a crucial match against Genoa this weekend. Van de Sfroos admitted to superstitions that keep him from attending games in person, but his fervent support from afar is undimmed. As the season reaches its climax, the release of the shirt serves as a marker of a community united behind a team exceeding all expectations, with the dream of European football now a tangible possibility.
