Como's historic United clash at risk after extreme rainfall hits Sinigaglia

Como’s first-ever Champions League home fixture, against Manchester United on Tuesday, is at risk of postponement after extreme rainfall hit the Lake Como region of northern Italy. More than 6cm of rain was forecast in the 24 hours before kick-off, with an orange “severe weather” warning issued by the Italian Air Force National Meteorological Service.

The match had already come close to being played elsewhere for an entirely different reason. At the end of last season, Como’s Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia did not meet UEFA’s minimum standards for Champions League football. Had the ground not been upgraded in time, Cesc Fabregas’s side would have been forced to play their European home games at Sassuolo’s stadium, 124 miles to the south.

An intensive renovation programme brought Sinigaglia up to UEFA Category 4 status before the season began. Work included the construction of a new stand, upgraded floodlights, improved media facilities, new toilets and enhanced security systems. The pitch was also widened by two metres and relaid with new-generation hybrid grass — a surface that, the club noted, suits Fabregas’s fluid style of play.

In a statement after the overhaul was completed, Como said: “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.”

Como’s presence in the Champions League at all represents one of European football’s more unlikely stories. Fabregas guided the newly promoted side to a top-four finish in Serie A last season, ahead of Juventus and AC Milan, to secure a place among the continent’s elite.

United manager Michael Carrick played down concerns about the weather and the pitch when asked ahead of the game. “No, nothing immediate for me,” he said. “We’re kind of used to the rain, so we’ll make the most of it.”

Of more pressing concern for Carrick is ending United’s six-game winless run across all competitions, a sequence that has fuelled speculation about his position. “I know the role, I know my responsibilities,” he said. “I don’t need anyone else to tell me that or tell me when it’s going well or when it needs to be better. I know that myself. I know the realities and I’ve got no problem with that.”