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Arriving in Como represented far more than a change of shirt for Ivan Smolčić. When he joined Como 1907 from HNK Rijeka, it meant adapting to a new country, a different culture and a new rhythm of life. It was a significant transition, but one he has absorbed naturally.
“After one year here, I can say that I feel great. People accepted me and helped me so that my adaptation felt easy, and I can say that I enjoy life here, both in football and in my private life too.”
That sense of ease has been important. For a player arriving from another country, integration is never only about football. It is about the training ground, the dressing room, the city, and the small routines that begin to make a place feel familiar. In Como, Smolčić found an environment that helped him feel part of the project.
The same calm is visible in the way he plays. It is not passive. It is not detached. It comes from trust, tactical understanding and the ability to read the rhythm of a match.
“I think it comes from the coach’s confidence in me, and because of that I feel calm and confident. I understand his way of thinking, and I know when he wants me and the whole squad to be calm and kind of stop for a moment. After some time, you understand at which point of the game you need to stop and calm the whole squad.”
For a defender, those moments matter. Some situations require aggression. Others require patience. Some games need to be slowed down. Others need a player who can sense danger before it becomes obvious. Smolčić speaks about calm as something practical, almost technical. A way of managing pressure, not escaping it.
His first year in Como has also been a period of personal growth. New environments often reveal qualities that are already there, but not always tested in the same way.
“I discovered that in different and new situations, I am calm and I think quickly.”
That quality is especially valuable in his position. Defending is about timing, clarity and responsibility. It is about seeing the next action early enough to make the right one. That has been visible in Como’s defensive work. In the 0 0 draw against Napoli, Smolčić was named MVP as the team recorded its 17th clean sheet of the season, a performance that reflected much of what he describes. Focus, timing, patience and the ability to solve problems before they become obvious.
His roots remain central to his identity. Croatian football has its own character, built around resilience, pride and competitiveness. Smolčić sees that clearly in himself.
“When you watch the Croatian national football team play, you can see fighting spirit and determination, so I feel like I also have that kind of mentality. I fight for every ball and I never give up. I think that we as a Croatian nation are very special and we always fight until the end.”
That mindset shapes the way he plays. The calm is there, but so is the edge. He is composed, but not soft. Patient, but not passive. His game is built around concentration, anticipation and the willingness to compete in every moment.
His progress has also been reflected beyond club football. Smolčić is now part of the Croatia senior national team picture, another step for a player whose game is built less on noise than on reliability.
“Defending is first of all a thing of will and character. You must do everything to prevent the opponent from scoring a goal. I think that people appreciate me because I always try to give my maximum and stay focused for the whole game. I also read what might happen and solve the problem before it happens.”
That final thought says a lot about him as a defender. The best defensive actions are not always the most visible ones. Sometimes they happen before the crowd notices the danger. A body position adjusted early. A pass anticipated. A run tracked before it becomes a chance. For Smolčić, defending starts with will, but it also depends on awareness.
Away from the pitch, life moves at a quieter pace. Football brings constant intensity, but balance comes from something simpler.
“I love fishing, that is my favourite hobby. Whenever I come home, I go fishing with my family and friends. That is a place where I enjoy myself. I feel calm because I love nature, but at the same time you feel a little bit of adrenaline. Every time I have a little bit of free time, I go fishing.”
It fits him neatly. Fishing requires patience, discipline and an acceptance that not everything can be forced. There is calm in it, but also anticipation. A stillness with a small charge of adrenaline. In that sense, it reflects something of his personality and perhaps even his football.
Living in Italy has also influenced his personal style. Como is a place where football, daily life and aesthetics often meet naturally, and Smolčić has noticed the change.
“Since I came to Italy, I changed my fashion style. You watch Italian people and you are kind of trying to fit in, but I love it. We all know that Italy is extra special for fashion style, so I learned a lot.”
It is another part of adaptation. Not dramatic, not forced, but part of settling into a new place. The city, the people and the culture slowly shape the details of everyday life.
Off the pitch, he prefers structure. There is nothing complicated about the way he describes it.
“I can say that I have a calm life outside of football. I love a good routine and I always try to be disciplined.”
That discipline runs through the rest of the conversation too. In his football, in his habits, in the way he thinks about responsibility. Even his ideal holiday is simple and close to home.
“My ideal holiday would be during summer with friends and family, on the boat in Croatia. You know, a little bit of swimming and fishing.”
It is a return to the things that ground him. Family, friends, the sea, fishing, Croatia. A life away from football that does not need to be loud to feel full.
Beyond performances and results, Smolčić is clear about what he wants to leave with people. His answer is direct.
“Outside of football, I want people to remember me as a good and kind person.”
It is a simple line, but it stays with you. Ivan Smolčić is a defender shaped by calm and fight, by Croatian roots and a new life in Como, by discipline on the pitch and quiet routines away from it. Reliable in his work, steady in his habits and clear in what matters most.
Como-Parma | Matchday 37 – Serie A Enilive | 17/05/2026 | Stadio Sinigaglia
Como-Parma 1-0
Goal: Moreno 58’
Alberto Moreno’s second goal of the season allowed Como 1907 to break the deadlock and seal the final home match of the campaign against Parma, scoring in the 58th minute from an assist by fellow Spaniard Jesús Rodríguez, who had come on from the bench.
The decisive moment came in front of a packed Sinigaglia, as Como celebrated qualification for a European competition with their supporters, who backed the team throughout the match with dedicated choreographies.
Como 1907 also wore the new limited-edition fourth kit, created in collaboration with RHUDE and adidas in support of research and treatment for childhood leukaemia. A total of 1,000 shirts have been produced, with proceeds donated to Quelli che con Luca ODV.
Italian U17 midfielder Riccardo Cassano was also named in the squad for today’s match, following several training sessions with the first team.
Como 1907 – Butez, Van der Brempt (Smolčić 71’), Ramon, Kempf (Diego Carlos 81’), Moreno, Da Cunha, Perrone, Caqueret (Rodríguez 53’), Baturina (Sergi Roberto 81’), Diao, Douvikas (Morata 81’).
Subs: Törnqvist, Vigorito, Cavlina, Goldaniga, Lahdo, Kühn, Vojvoda, Cassano.
Head Coach: Cesc Fàbregas
Parma – Suzuki, Valenti, Strefezza (Elphege 59’, Mikolajewski 85’), Pellegrino, Delprato, Keita Mandela, Ordonez (Sorensen 70’), Carboni (Valeri 70’), Troilo, Circati, Nicolussi Caviglia (Estévez 71’).
Subs: Corvi, Astaldi, Ndiaye, Almqvist, Mena, Cardinali, Tigani.
Head Coach: Carlos Cuesta
Recupero: 2’ + 5’
Ammoniti: Ramon
Spettatori: 11365
Direttore di Gara: Sig. ZUFFERLI LUCA (Sezione di UDINE)
Assistenti: Sig. ROSSI CHRISTIAN (Sezione di LA SPEZIA), Sig. LAUDATO PAOLO (Sezione di TARANTO)
IV Ufficiale: Sig. CREZZINI VALERIO (Sezione di SIENA)
Var: Sig. DI PAOLO ALEANDRO (Sezione di AVEZZANO)
Avar: Sig. GARIGLIO MATTEO (Sezione di PINEROLO)
Following their victory in Verona, which secured qualification for European competition, Como are set to play their final home match of the season in front of their fans. The Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium opens its gates for the penultimate matchday of the 2025/26 Enilive Serie A season, as Parma come to town. The team led by Carlos Cuesta has certainly emerged as one of this season’s surprise packages, thanks to an organised, pragmatic style of play that gives plenty of freedom to the individual talents in the squad. Sunday’s match, kicking off at 12:00 p.m., will be anything but easy, as the Emilian side once again demonstrated last weekend against Roma just how effectively they can execute their game plan. Throughout the season, Parma have shown they can trouble any opponent thanks to their physicality, threat from set pieces, and ability to disrupt passing lanes. The match at Sinigaglia promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with distinct identities, following the 0–0 draw in the reverse fixture.
Here are the words of Como 1907 Head Coach Cesc Fàbregas ahead of Como-Parma:
“Without a doubt, tomorrow’s match is the most important game for us. It’s the match of the season, a really crucial fixture. I hope everyone, from the players to the supporters, is fully fired up. I’d love to see an incredible atmosphere at the stadium.
“Together, we’ll always have a better chance of achieving our goal. There’s hunger, there’s desire, because we’re facing an incredible opportunity and we have nothing to lose. We’ve been given a huge chance, and we need to enjoy it. I hope the players go out there with freedom, express themselves the way they have throughout the season, and fully embrace this experience, especially as, for many of them, it’s their first time.
“We know that Parma are capable of pressing high up the pitch, but they’re also very well organised in a mid-to-low block. They defend the box well, stay compact, and have players capable of playing very good football. I’m expecting a tough match against a quality opponent who may have been slightly underestimated.”
Parma
Despite the return of former Parma player Gabriel Strefezza, who also scored in the last match against Roma, Parma will still have to cope with some key absences, including Bernabè, Ondreijka, and Oristanio, as well as the suspended Britschgi. Carlos Cuesta’s side will most likely line up in their usual 3-5-2 formation, which quickly shifts into a 5-3-2 during defensive phases without possession, favouring a deep block in front of the back line.
The Emilian side’s defensive unit has certainly stood out this season, boasting a rock-solid, physical back line that excels in man-marking. The back four of Del Prato, Circati, Troilo, and Valenti consists of players all over 185 centimetres tall, significantly enhancing their aerial dominance. With Bernabè out due to injury, the contributions of Nicolussi Caviglia and Mandela Keita will be increasingly crucial: the former, with his technical quality, has established himself as the team’s playmaker, also threading through balls for the forwards; Keita, meanwhile, is having an excellent season as a box-to-box midfielder, a hard-working and dynamic player who scored his first Serie A goal of the season against Roma.
Up front, the pairs deployed by Coach Cuesta are always well balanced; lately, the Strefezza-Elphege duo has been featured, with the former now a nailed-on starter and the latter competing with Pellegrino for the role of the main reference point in attack. The Brazilian winger, who is also very effective as a second striker, offers the ability to beat defenders one-on-one and shoot from distance, while Elphege and Pellegrino are physical forwards strong in the air, very skilled at holding up the ball and in aerial play.
Previous encounters
At the Sinigaglia, Como and Parma have faced off 25 times: the record stands at 11 wins for the BiancoBlu, eight draws, and six wins for the visitors.
The Lariani’s last home win against the Emiliani dates back to the 2022–23 Serie B season, when goals from Cerri and Arrigoni sealed a 2–0 victory.
Squad:
1 BUTEZ Jean
2 KEMPF Marc
5 GOLDANIGA Edoardo
6 CAQUERET Maxence
7 MORATA Alvaro
8 ROBERTO Sergi
11 DOUVIKAS Tasos
14 RAMON Jacobo
15 LAHDO Adrian
17 RODRIGUEZ Jesus
18 MORENO Alberto
19 KUHN Nicolas
20 BATURINA Martin
21 TORNQVIST Noel
22 VIGORITO Mauro
23 PERRONE Maximo
28 SMOLCIC Ivan
31 VOJVODA Mërgim
33 DA CUNHA Lucas
34 DIEGO CARLOS
38 DIAO Assane
44 CAVLINA Nikola
49 CASSANO Riccardo
77 VAN DER BREMPT Ignace
Match details
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Kick-off: 12:00 CEST
Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia
Referee: Zufferli
Assistants: Rossi-Laudato
Where to watch
Italy: SkySport - DAZN
Balkans: Arena Sport
USA: CBS - DAZN - FOX
South America: ESPN & Disney +
South Korea: SPOTV
Rest of the world: Check local listings.
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Arriving in Como represented far more than a change of shirt for Ivan Smolčić. When he joined Como 1907 from HNK Rijeka, it meant adapting to a new country, a different culture and a new rhythm of life. It was a significant transition, but one he has absorbed naturally.
“After one year here, I can say that I feel great. People accepted me and helped me so that my adaptation felt easy, and I can say that I enjoy life here, both in football and in my private life too.”
That sense of ease has been important. For a player arriving from another country, integration is never only about football. It is about the training ground, the dressing room, the city, and the small routines that begin to make a place feel familiar. In Como, Smolčić found an environment that helped him feel part of the project.
The same calm is visible in the way he plays. It is not passive. It is not detached. It comes from trust, tactical understanding and the ability to read the rhythm of a match.
“I think it comes from the coach’s confidence in me, and because of that I feel calm and confident. I understand his way of thinking, and I know when he wants me and the whole squad to be calm and kind of stop for a moment. After some time, you understand at which point of the game you need to stop and calm the whole squad.”
For a defender, those moments matter. Some situations require aggression. Others require patience. Some games need to be slowed down. Others need a player who can sense danger before it becomes obvious. Smolčić speaks about calm as something practical, almost technical. A way of managing pressure, not escaping it.
His first year in Como has also been a period of personal growth. New environments often reveal qualities that are already there, but not always tested in the same way.
“I discovered that in different and new situations, I am calm and I think quickly.”
That quality is especially valuable in his position. Defending is about timing, clarity and responsibility. It is about seeing the next action early enough to make the right one. That has been visible in Como’s defensive work. In the 0 0 draw against Napoli, Smolčić was named MVP as the team recorded its 17th clean sheet of the season, a performance that reflected much of what he describes. Focus, timing, patience and the ability to solve problems before they become obvious.
His roots remain central to his identity. Croatian football has its own character, built around resilience, pride and competitiveness. Smolčić sees that clearly in himself.
“When you watch the Croatian national football team play, you can see fighting spirit and determination, so I feel like I also have that kind of mentality. I fight for every ball and I never give up. I think that we as a Croatian nation are very special and we always fight until the end.”
That mindset shapes the way he plays. The calm is there, but so is the edge. He is composed, but not soft. Patient, but not passive. His game is built around concentration, anticipation and the willingness to compete in every moment.
His progress has also been reflected beyond club football. Smolčić is now part of the Croatia senior national team picture, another step for a player whose game is built less on noise than on reliability.
“Defending is first of all a thing of will and character. You must do everything to prevent the opponent from scoring a goal. I think that people appreciate me because I always try to give my maximum and stay focused for the whole game. I also read what might happen and solve the problem before it happens.”
That final thought says a lot about him as a defender. The best defensive actions are not always the most visible ones. Sometimes they happen before the crowd notices the danger. A body position adjusted early. A pass anticipated. A run tracked before it becomes a chance. For Smolčić, defending starts with will, but it also depends on awareness.
Away from the pitch, life moves at a quieter pace. Football brings constant intensity, but balance comes from something simpler.
“I love fishing, that is my favourite hobby. Whenever I come home, I go fishing with my family and friends. That is a place where I enjoy myself. I feel calm because I love nature, but at the same time you feel a little bit of adrenaline. Every time I have a little bit of free time, I go fishing.”
It fits him neatly. Fishing requires patience, discipline and an acceptance that not everything can be forced. There is calm in it, but also anticipation. A stillness with a small charge of adrenaline. In that sense, it reflects something of his personality and perhaps even his football.
Living in Italy has also influenced his personal style. Como is a place where football, daily life and aesthetics often meet naturally, and Smolčić has noticed the change.
“Since I came to Italy, I changed my fashion style. You watch Italian people and you are kind of trying to fit in, but I love it. We all know that Italy is extra special for fashion style, so I learned a lot.”
It is another part of adaptation. Not dramatic, not forced, but part of settling into a new place. The city, the people and the culture slowly shape the details of everyday life.
Off the pitch, he prefers structure. There is nothing complicated about the way he describes it.
“I can say that I have a calm life outside of football. I love a good routine and I always try to be disciplined.”
That discipline runs through the rest of the conversation too. In his football, in his habits, in the way he thinks about responsibility. Even his ideal holiday is simple and close to home.
“My ideal holiday would be during summer with friends and family, on the boat in Croatia. You know, a little bit of swimming and fishing.”
It is a return to the things that ground him. Family, friends, the sea, fishing, Croatia. A life away from football that does not need to be loud to feel full.
Beyond performances and results, Smolčić is clear about what he wants to leave with people. His answer is direct.
“Outside of football, I want people to remember me as a good and kind person.”
It is a simple line, but it stays with you. Ivan Smolčić is a defender shaped by calm and fight, by Croatian roots and a new life in Como, by discipline on the pitch and quiet routines away from it. Reliable in his work, steady in his habits and clear in what matters most.
Como-Parma | Matchday 37 – Serie A Enilive | 17/05/2026 | Stadio Sinigaglia
Como-Parma 1-0
Goal: Moreno 58’
Alberto Moreno’s second goal of the season allowed Como 1907 to break the deadlock and seal the final home match of the campaign against Parma, scoring in the 58th minute from an assist by fellow Spaniard Jesús Rodríguez, who had come on from the bench.
The decisive moment came in front of a packed Sinigaglia, as Como celebrated qualification for a European competition with their supporters, who backed the team throughout the match with dedicated choreographies.
Como 1907 also wore the new limited-edition fourth kit, created in collaboration with RHUDE and adidas in support of research and treatment for childhood leukaemia. A total of 1,000 shirts have been produced, with proceeds donated to Quelli che con Luca ODV.
Italian U17 midfielder Riccardo Cassano was also named in the squad for today’s match, following several training sessions with the first team.
Como 1907 – Butez, Van der Brempt (Smolčić 71’), Ramon, Kempf (Diego Carlos 81’), Moreno, Da Cunha, Perrone, Caqueret (Rodríguez 53’), Baturina (Sergi Roberto 81’), Diao, Douvikas (Morata 81’).
Subs: Törnqvist, Vigorito, Cavlina, Goldaniga, Lahdo, Kühn, Vojvoda, Cassano.
Head Coach: Cesc Fàbregas
Parma – Suzuki, Valenti, Strefezza (Elphege 59’, Mikolajewski 85’), Pellegrino, Delprato, Keita Mandela, Ordonez (Sorensen 70’), Carboni (Valeri 70’), Troilo, Circati, Nicolussi Caviglia (Estévez 71’).
Subs: Corvi, Astaldi, Ndiaye, Almqvist, Mena, Cardinali, Tigani.
Head Coach: Carlos Cuesta
Recupero: 2’ + 5’
Ammoniti: Ramon
Spettatori: 11365
Direttore di Gara: Sig. ZUFFERLI LUCA (Sezione di UDINE)
Assistenti: Sig. ROSSI CHRISTIAN (Sezione di LA SPEZIA), Sig. LAUDATO PAOLO (Sezione di TARANTO)
IV Ufficiale: Sig. CREZZINI VALERIO (Sezione di SIENA)
Var: Sig. DI PAOLO ALEANDRO (Sezione di AVEZZANO)
Avar: Sig. GARIGLIO MATTEO (Sezione di PINEROLO)
Following their victory in Verona, which secured qualification for European competition, Como are set to play their final home match of the season in front of their fans. The Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium opens its gates for the penultimate matchday of the 2025/26 Enilive Serie A season, as Parma come to town. The team led by Carlos Cuesta has certainly emerged as one of this season’s surprise packages, thanks to an organised, pragmatic style of play that gives plenty of freedom to the individual talents in the squad. Sunday’s match, kicking off at 12:00 p.m., will be anything but easy, as the Emilian side once again demonstrated last weekend against Roma just how effectively they can execute their game plan. Throughout the season, Parma have shown they can trouble any opponent thanks to their physicality, threat from set pieces, and ability to disrupt passing lanes. The match at Sinigaglia promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with distinct identities, following the 0–0 draw in the reverse fixture.
Here are the words of Como 1907 Head Coach Cesc Fàbregas ahead of Como-Parma:
“Without a doubt, tomorrow’s match is the most important game for us. It’s the match of the season, a really crucial fixture. I hope everyone, from the players to the supporters, is fully fired up. I’d love to see an incredible atmosphere at the stadium.
“Together, we’ll always have a better chance of achieving our goal. There’s hunger, there’s desire, because we’re facing an incredible opportunity and we have nothing to lose. We’ve been given a huge chance, and we need to enjoy it. I hope the players go out there with freedom, express themselves the way they have throughout the season, and fully embrace this experience, especially as, for many of them, it’s their first time.
“We know that Parma are capable of pressing high up the pitch, but they’re also very well organised in a mid-to-low block. They defend the box well, stay compact, and have players capable of playing very good football. I’m expecting a tough match against a quality opponent who may have been slightly underestimated.”
Parma
Despite the return of former Parma player Gabriel Strefezza, who also scored in the last match against Roma, Parma will still have to cope with some key absences, including Bernabè, Ondreijka, and Oristanio, as well as the suspended Britschgi. Carlos Cuesta’s side will most likely line up in their usual 3-5-2 formation, which quickly shifts into a 5-3-2 during defensive phases without possession, favouring a deep block in front of the back line.
The Emilian side’s defensive unit has certainly stood out this season, boasting a rock-solid, physical back line that excels in man-marking. The back four of Del Prato, Circati, Troilo, and Valenti consists of players all over 185 centimetres tall, significantly enhancing their aerial dominance. With Bernabè out due to injury, the contributions of Nicolussi Caviglia and Mandela Keita will be increasingly crucial: the former, with his technical quality, has established himself as the team’s playmaker, also threading through balls for the forwards; Keita, meanwhile, is having an excellent season as a box-to-box midfielder, a hard-working and dynamic player who scored his first Serie A goal of the season against Roma.
Up front, the pairs deployed by Coach Cuesta are always well balanced; lately, the Strefezza-Elphege duo has been featured, with the former now a nailed-on starter and the latter competing with Pellegrino for the role of the main reference point in attack. The Brazilian winger, who is also very effective as a second striker, offers the ability to beat defenders one-on-one and shoot from distance, while Elphege and Pellegrino are physical forwards strong in the air, very skilled at holding up the ball and in aerial play.
Previous encounters
At the Sinigaglia, Como and Parma have faced off 25 times: the record stands at 11 wins for the BiancoBlu, eight draws, and six wins for the visitors.
The Lariani’s last home win against the Emiliani dates back to the 2022–23 Serie B season, when goals from Cerri and Arrigoni sealed a 2–0 victory.
Squad:
1 BUTEZ Jean
2 KEMPF Marc
5 GOLDANIGA Edoardo
6 CAQUERET Maxence
7 MORATA Alvaro
8 ROBERTO Sergi
11 DOUVIKAS Tasos
14 RAMON Jacobo
15 LAHDO Adrian
17 RODRIGUEZ Jesus
18 MORENO Alberto
19 KUHN Nicolas
20 BATURINA Martin
21 TORNQVIST Noel
22 VIGORITO Mauro
23 PERRONE Maximo
28 SMOLCIC Ivan
31 VOJVODA Mërgim
33 DA CUNHA Lucas
34 DIEGO CARLOS
38 DIAO Assane
44 CAVLINA Nikola
49 CASSANO Riccardo
77 VAN DER BREMPT Ignace
Match details
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Kick-off: 12:00 CEST
Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia
Referee: Zufferli
Assistants: Rossi-Laudato
Where to watch
Italy: SkySport - DAZN
Balkans: Arena Sport
USA: CBS - DAZN - FOX
South America: ESPN & Disney +
South Korea: SPOTV
Rest of the world: Check local listings.
Arriving in Como represented far more than a change of shirt for Ivan Smolčić. When he joined Como 1907 from HNK Rijeka, it meant adapting to a new country, a different culture and a new rhythm of life. It was a significant transition, but one he has absorbed naturally.
“After one year here, I can say that I feel great. People accepted me and helped me so that my adaptation felt easy, and I can say that I enjoy life here, both in football and in my private life too.”
That sense of ease has been important. For a player arriving from another country, integration is never only about football. It is about the training ground, the dressing room, the city, and the small routines that begin to make a place feel familiar. In Como, Smolčić found an environment that helped him feel part of the project.
The same calm is visible in the way he plays. It is not passive. It is not detached. It comes from trust, tactical understanding and the ability to read the rhythm of a match.
“I think it comes from the coach’s confidence in me, and because of that I feel calm and confident. I understand his way of thinking, and I know when he wants me and the whole squad to be calm and kind of stop for a moment. After some time, you understand at which point of the game you need to stop and calm the whole squad.”
For a defender, those moments matter. Some situations require aggression. Others require patience. Some games need to be slowed down. Others need a player who can sense danger before it becomes obvious. Smolčić speaks about calm as something practical, almost technical. A way of managing pressure, not escaping it.
His first year in Como has also been a period of personal growth. New environments often reveal qualities that are already there, but not always tested in the same way.
“I discovered that in different and new situations, I am calm and I think quickly.”
That quality is especially valuable in his position. Defending is about timing, clarity and responsibility. It is about seeing the next action early enough to make the right one. That has been visible in Como’s defensive work. In the 0 0 draw against Napoli, Smolčić was named MVP as the team recorded its 17th clean sheet of the season, a performance that reflected much of what he describes. Focus, timing, patience and the ability to solve problems before they become obvious.
His roots remain central to his identity. Croatian football has its own character, built around resilience, pride and competitiveness. Smolčić sees that clearly in himself.
“When you watch the Croatian national football team play, you can see fighting spirit and determination, so I feel like I also have that kind of mentality. I fight for every ball and I never give up. I think that we as a Croatian nation are very special and we always fight until the end.”
That mindset shapes the way he plays. The calm is there, but so is the edge. He is composed, but not soft. Patient, but not passive. His game is built around concentration, anticipation and the willingness to compete in every moment.
His progress has also been reflected beyond club football. Smolčić is now part of the Croatia senior national team picture, another step for a player whose game is built less on noise than on reliability.
“Defending is first of all a thing of will and character. You must do everything to prevent the opponent from scoring a goal. I think that people appreciate me because I always try to give my maximum and stay focused for the whole game. I also read what might happen and solve the problem before it happens.”
That final thought says a lot about him as a defender. The best defensive actions are not always the most visible ones. Sometimes they happen before the crowd notices the danger. A body position adjusted early. A pass anticipated. A run tracked before it becomes a chance. For Smolčić, defending starts with will, but it also depends on awareness.
Away from the pitch, life moves at a quieter pace. Football brings constant intensity, but balance comes from something simpler.
“I love fishing, that is my favourite hobby. Whenever I come home, I go fishing with my family and friends. That is a place where I enjoy myself. I feel calm because I love nature, but at the same time you feel a little bit of adrenaline. Every time I have a little bit of free time, I go fishing.”
It fits him neatly. Fishing requires patience, discipline and an acceptance that not everything can be forced. There is calm in it, but also anticipation. A stillness with a small charge of adrenaline. In that sense, it reflects something of his personality and perhaps even his football.
Living in Italy has also influenced his personal style. Como is a place where football, daily life and aesthetics often meet naturally, and Smolčić has noticed the change.
“Since I came to Italy, I changed my fashion style. You watch Italian people and you are kind of trying to fit in, but I love it. We all know that Italy is extra special for fashion style, so I learned a lot.”
It is another part of adaptation. Not dramatic, not forced, but part of settling into a new place. The city, the people and the culture slowly shape the details of everyday life.
Off the pitch, he prefers structure. There is nothing complicated about the way he describes it.
“I can say that I have a calm life outside of football. I love a good routine and I always try to be disciplined.”
That discipline runs through the rest of the conversation too. In his football, in his habits, in the way he thinks about responsibility. Even his ideal holiday is simple and close to home.
“My ideal holiday would be during summer with friends and family, on the boat in Croatia. You know, a little bit of swimming and fishing.”
It is a return to the things that ground him. Family, friends, the sea, fishing, Croatia. A life away from football that does not need to be loud to feel full.
Beyond performances and results, Smolčić is clear about what he wants to leave with people. His answer is direct.
“Outside of football, I want people to remember me as a good and kind person.”
It is a simple line, but it stays with you. Ivan Smolčić is a defender shaped by calm and fight, by Croatian roots and a new life in Como, by discipline on the pitch and quiet routines away from it. Reliable in his work, steady in his habits and clear in what matters most.
Como-Parma | Matchday 37 – Serie A Enilive | 17/05/2026 | Stadio Sinigaglia
Como-Parma 1-0
Goal: Moreno 58’
Alberto Moreno’s second goal of the season allowed Como 1907 to break the deadlock and seal the final home match of the campaign against Parma, scoring in the 58th minute from an assist by fellow Spaniard Jesús Rodríguez, who had come on from the bench.
The decisive moment came in front of a packed Sinigaglia, as Como celebrated qualification for a European competition with their supporters, who backed the team throughout the match with dedicated choreographies.
Como 1907 also wore the new limited-edition fourth kit, created in collaboration with RHUDE and adidas in support of research and treatment for childhood leukaemia. A total of 1,000 shirts have been produced, with proceeds donated to Quelli che con Luca ODV.
Italian U17 midfielder Riccardo Cassano was also named in the squad for today’s match, following several training sessions with the first team.
Como 1907 – Butez, Van der Brempt (Smolčić 71’), Ramon, Kempf (Diego Carlos 81’), Moreno, Da Cunha, Perrone, Caqueret (Rodríguez 53’), Baturina (Sergi Roberto 81’), Diao, Douvikas (Morata 81’).
Subs: Törnqvist, Vigorito, Cavlina, Goldaniga, Lahdo, Kühn, Vojvoda, Cassano.
Head Coach: Cesc Fàbregas
Parma – Suzuki, Valenti, Strefezza (Elphege 59’, Mikolajewski 85’), Pellegrino, Delprato, Keita Mandela, Ordonez (Sorensen 70’), Carboni (Valeri 70’), Troilo, Circati, Nicolussi Caviglia (Estévez 71’).
Subs: Corvi, Astaldi, Ndiaye, Almqvist, Mena, Cardinali, Tigani.
Head Coach: Carlos Cuesta
Recupero: 2’ + 5’
Ammoniti: Ramon
Spettatori: 11365
Direttore di Gara: Sig. ZUFFERLI LUCA (Sezione di UDINE)
Assistenti: Sig. ROSSI CHRISTIAN (Sezione di LA SPEZIA), Sig. LAUDATO PAOLO (Sezione di TARANTO)
IV Ufficiale: Sig. CREZZINI VALERIO (Sezione di SIENA)
Var: Sig. DI PAOLO ALEANDRO (Sezione di AVEZZANO)
Avar: Sig. GARIGLIO MATTEO (Sezione di PINEROLO)
Following their victory in Verona, which secured qualification for European competition, Como are set to play their final home match of the season in front of their fans. The Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium opens its gates for the penultimate matchday of the 2025/26 Enilive Serie A season, as Parma come to town. The team led by Carlos Cuesta has certainly emerged as one of this season’s surprise packages, thanks to an organised, pragmatic style of play that gives plenty of freedom to the individual talents in the squad. Sunday’s match, kicking off at 12:00 p.m., will be anything but easy, as the Emilian side once again demonstrated last weekend against Roma just how effectively they can execute their game plan. Throughout the season, Parma have shown they can trouble any opponent thanks to their physicality, threat from set pieces, and ability to disrupt passing lanes. The match at Sinigaglia promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with distinct identities, following the 0–0 draw in the reverse fixture.
Here are the words of Como 1907 Head Coach Cesc Fàbregas ahead of Como-Parma:
“Without a doubt, tomorrow’s match is the most important game for us. It’s the match of the season, a really crucial fixture. I hope everyone, from the players to the supporters, is fully fired up. I’d love to see an incredible atmosphere at the stadium.
“Together, we’ll always have a better chance of achieving our goal. There’s hunger, there’s desire, because we’re facing an incredible opportunity and we have nothing to lose. We’ve been given a huge chance, and we need to enjoy it. I hope the players go out there with freedom, express themselves the way they have throughout the season, and fully embrace this experience, especially as, for many of them, it’s their first time.
“We know that Parma are capable of pressing high up the pitch, but they’re also very well organised in a mid-to-low block. They defend the box well, stay compact, and have players capable of playing very good football. I’m expecting a tough match against a quality opponent who may have been slightly underestimated.”
Parma
Despite the return of former Parma player Gabriel Strefezza, who also scored in the last match against Roma, Parma will still have to cope with some key absences, including Bernabè, Ondreijka, and Oristanio, as well as the suspended Britschgi. Carlos Cuesta’s side will most likely line up in their usual 3-5-2 formation, which quickly shifts into a 5-3-2 during defensive phases without possession, favouring a deep block in front of the back line.
The Emilian side’s defensive unit has certainly stood out this season, boasting a rock-solid, physical back line that excels in man-marking. The back four of Del Prato, Circati, Troilo, and Valenti consists of players all over 185 centimetres tall, significantly enhancing their aerial dominance. With Bernabè out due to injury, the contributions of Nicolussi Caviglia and Mandela Keita will be increasingly crucial: the former, with his technical quality, has established himself as the team’s playmaker, also threading through balls for the forwards; Keita, meanwhile, is having an excellent season as a box-to-box midfielder, a hard-working and dynamic player who scored his first Serie A goal of the season against Roma.
Up front, the pairs deployed by Coach Cuesta are always well balanced; lately, the Strefezza-Elphege duo has been featured, with the former now a nailed-on starter and the latter competing with Pellegrino for the role of the main reference point in attack. The Brazilian winger, who is also very effective as a second striker, offers the ability to beat defenders one-on-one and shoot from distance, while Elphege and Pellegrino are physical forwards strong in the air, very skilled at holding up the ball and in aerial play.
Previous encounters
At the Sinigaglia, Como and Parma have faced off 25 times: the record stands at 11 wins for the BiancoBlu, eight draws, and six wins for the visitors.
The Lariani’s last home win against the Emiliani dates back to the 2022–23 Serie B season, when goals from Cerri and Arrigoni sealed a 2–0 victory.
Squad:
1 BUTEZ Jean
2 KEMPF Marc
5 GOLDANIGA Edoardo
6 CAQUERET Maxence
7 MORATA Alvaro
8 ROBERTO Sergi
11 DOUVIKAS Tasos
14 RAMON Jacobo
15 LAHDO Adrian
17 RODRIGUEZ Jesus
18 MORENO Alberto
19 KUHN Nicolas
20 BATURINA Martin
21 TORNQVIST Noel
22 VIGORITO Mauro
23 PERRONE Maximo
28 SMOLCIC Ivan
31 VOJVODA Mërgim
33 DA CUNHA Lucas
34 DIEGO CARLOS
38 DIAO Assane
44 CAVLINA Nikola
49 CASSANO Riccardo
77 VAN DER BREMPT Ignace
Match details
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Kick-off: 12:00 CEST
Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia
Referee: Zufferli
Assistants: Rossi-Laudato
Where to watch
Italy: SkySport - DAZN
Balkans: Arena Sport
USA: CBS - DAZN - FOX
South America: ESPN & Disney +
South Korea: SPOTV
Rest of the world: Check local listings.
Carlo Tassone, 25, manager of Machete Capelli & Barba on Via Olginati in Como, is one of the faces of the Retro Collection, the line that honours the legacy of Como 1907 through timeless design and the iconic crest. “Seeing my photo wearing the collection’s sweatshirt on the cover of BLU and on billboards across the city was an incredible experience, not only for me, but also for my family and friends. My dad, a lifelong fan of Como 1907, who has always held a season ticket in the Curva, couldn’t believe it.”
For Carlo, wearing the collection’s pieces was a wonderful experience: “The Retro Collection is truly stunning. My favourite items are the classic sweatshirts, both the blue and the white ones, the longsleeved polo, and especially the white shortsleeved polo, which is absolutely magnificent. The quality of the collection is outstanding, and young people really appreciate it. Many of my friends have already bought some of the items and are very happy with them,” he explains.
A special moment for Carlo was seeing his face on a Via Napoleona billboard, the road linking Como’s centre to Camerlata, the neighbourhood where he grew up. “It was amazing to see my photo in the collection’s sweatshirt right there,” he recalls. For him, it is a symbolic place that links his place of origin to where he is now, at a barber shop he considers truly unique, in the city centre.
After his studies and a few years of work experience around the province of Como, Carlo joined Machete Capelli & Barba with great enthusiasm: “We opened our barber shop in Como at the beginning of 2024, and I joined shortly after. Our company is from Rome, with many shops there. When the company decided to expand to other places, Como was the one they decided to start from. The beauty and strong appeal of Como were definitely the main reasons for investing here.”
Machete Capelli & Barba’s clients include people of all ages and, as Carlo explains, while at first the clientele was mostly adults, now many young people rely on him and his colleague Luca for a fresh, fashionable haircut. “Our shop has become a meeting place for many young people who come not only to get a haircut, but also to chat over a coffee in a very friendly atmosphere, receiving personalised advice from us.”
Alongside locals, many tourists also stop by for a haircut: “Some are on vacation, and others have moved to Como from abroad. We speak many languages in the shop, and we are always happy to welcome a diverse clientele.”
Despite his young age, Carlo has clear ideas about how to start and run a business, especially in Como: “Como is a city, but it is also a community. Therefore, if you want to do business here, it is important to win the hearts of the people of Como. I really like seeing local businesses grow and invest in the city.”
Carlo’s ambition is to continue growing in his profession: “One of the most interesting aspects of our company is the ongoing training, which is essential to keep improving and stay up to date with market trends. In Como, we will definitely expand the shop because demand keeps increasing.”
With busy workdays even on weekends, it is hard for Carlo to find time to go to the stadium: “My dad is a huge fan and always goes to the stadium, even for away games. I go when I can. I have followed Como 1907 since I was a little kid, and I am thrilled with the team’s progress and with this Club. My favourite players are Nico Paz and Assane Diao, and I am a big fan of coach CescFàbregas’s style of play. It is great to see so many young players on the team and such an ambitious project.”
Alongside his passion for Como 1907, music also plays an important role in Carlo’s life: “I have been making rap music for many years, I really believe in what I do, and being a testimonial for the Retro Collection was important for growing my following in the music world as well. Many people recognised me and stopped me in the street. It was truly exciting.”
To write his songs, Carlo often went to the lakeside near the hangar, right behind the StadioSinigaglia: “It is an area I really love, a place I have always spent time in with my friends. When I was little, I loved walking along Viale Geno.” Among his favourite places to spend an evening in the city, Carlo recommends the Super Social Club, near the Teatro Sociale, and Est Est Est on Via Tommaso Grossi. For lunch or dinner, he recommends La Latteria, right next to his barber shop.
Como 1907 Home Jersey 2025/26€110
Retro Heritage Polo Long Sleeve€65
Adidas Como Racing Jacket Beige€125
Calendar
DISCOVER COMO | EXCLUSIVE MATCHDAY ESCAPEDISCOVER COMO : EXCLUSIVE MATCHDAY ESCAPE - Set against the timeless beauty of Lake Como, this episode explores a thoughtfully curated matchday journey created by Como 1907, anchored by the incomparable Villa del Balbianello. From private wooden boat arrivals and unhurried walks through 18th-century gardens once favored by explorers, artists, and Hollywood, to the charged atmosphere of a Como 1907 match, the experience reveals Lake Como at its most cinematic. Blending heritage, elegance, and authentic Italian life, it reflects a carefully curated way of discovering the lake: one that can be found through the tourism experiences section of the Como 1907 website.
Ascent, a new view: Serie AComo 1907 and a long-awaited return to Serie A after 21 years. “We were a group, and we became a family.” Alessio Iovine, Patrick Cutrone, Lucas Da Cunha, Gabriel Strefezza, and Edoardo Goldaniga share all the emotions of the 2023/24 season — historic, thrilling, and one of a kind — set against the stunning backdrop of Villa Carminati. A season worthy of a movie.
DISCOVER COMO | EXCLUSIVE MATCHDAY TOURDiscover Como invites you to experience the EXCLUSIVE MATCH DAY TOUR: a one-of-a-kind journey that blends football, heritage, and timeless Italian style. In this feature, Francesca Biffi guides us from a private two-hour drive in a vintage Fiat 500 to an elevated match day experience, featuring covered grandstand seating and hospitality access overlooking Lake Como. From the charm of the Fiat drive to the electric atmosphere of the stadium, the tour transforms match day into an unforgettable celebration of Italian heritage.
Echos - Our JourneyThe journey of Como 1907 told through the voices of two fans — a father and his daughter — who share what it means to support the biancoblù and to be part of a football family determined to return to the heart of Italian and European football.
DISCOVER COMO | AT VILLA FLORIDISCOVER COMO : AT VILLA FLORI - Como 1907 players Alex Valle and Jesús Rodríguez take a vintage Fiat 124 Spider for a spin along Lake Como: a drive that’s as much about friendship as football. The drive leads them to Villa Flori, where the conversation deepens in the villa’s serene lakeside courtyard. Over coffee, they reflect on life between Spain and Italy, the differences in football culture, and the sense of family and belonging they’ve found in Como. Discover Como captures a rare, personal glimpse of two teammates connecting beyond the game: through humor, honesty, and the beauty of life at the lake.