The Big Interview: Blu Sits Down with Alessio Iovine

For Alessio Iovine, playing for Como 1907 is more than a career—it’s the realisation of a childhood dream rooted in his love for his hometown club. Born in Como in 1991, Iovine’s story is intertwined with the history of the team and the city itself. From humble beginnings in the club’s youth academy to becoming a pivotal figure in its recent climb back to Serie A, Iovine’s journey is one to be celebrated.

Iovine’s football journey began when he was picked up by the Como youth academy at the age of nine and where he saw the full highs of promotion to Serie A and the lows of a triple relegation. The club, having experienced financial struggles and relegation, was no longer the force it had once been. At 14 he had to leave and over the next several years, he honed his craft across a series of clubs in Italy’s lower divisions, including Olginatese, Pergolettese, Renate, and Giana Erminio.

The call to return home came in the summer of 2019, a moment that Iovine describes as life-changing. Como, then in Serie C, was looking to rebuild and for Iovine, it wasn’t just a contract—it was a chance to fulfill a childhood dream. “When Como called me, I knew it was where I was meant to be,” he said. 

His impact was felt immediately. Iovine played a crucial role in Como’s promotion campaigns, first to Serie B and, most recently, to Serie A.

Along the way, there have been defining moments, like the dramatic promotion match against Alessandria, which secured Como’s place in Serie B. Iovine’s Serie A debut against Cagliari, wearing the captain’s armband, was another emotional high point. “That day was a culmination of everything I’ve worked for,” he reflected. “It was a moment of pride not just for me, but for everyone who’s been a part of this journey.”

Off the pitch, Iovine remains a proud ambassador for the city of Como. Now a father, he enjoys sharing the city with his young son. His love for Como extends beyond football—it’s a part of who he is.

To learn more about his career and what Como means to Alessio Iovine, BLU recently took the opportunity to speak to the man himself.

As you’re getting close to 150 games, did you ever imagine reaching the milestone back in 2019 when you first joined Como?
Honestly, no. Saying otherwise wouldn’t be true. It’s definitely a great source of pride for me, especially considering the journey we’ve been on. Luckily, there have been more good times than bad ones, so this achievement is something truly special for me.

In 2002 you were a ball boy on the sidelines during the Serie A promotion match. In 2024, you were one of the key players in another historic promotion. What feeling does that evoke in you?
I was present on both occasions, but in very different roles. It’s something doubly emotional for me. I have vivid memories from 22 years ago. Back then, as a child, everything seemed more magical. It was an incredible experience in such a passionate city. That promotion hadn’t happened in years, and for us in the youth academy, it was a moment of immense joy. I’m happy that, a few months ago, my teammates and I were able to make that same dream come true—this time as protagonists on the pitch. It was beautiful, tough, difficult, and stressful. But when you achieve such a goal through sacrifices, it makes it all the more rewarding.

What advice would you give to young players in the academy?
Honestly, it’s hard for me to give advice—I don’t want to say something cliché. From my own experience, I’ve always just kept going and focused on enjoying myself. It’s a simple idea, but also the hardest to put into practice. 

But the joy I found in playing football and spending time with my teammates was always greater than anything else. That helped me push other problems aside and focus on training. My advice is that during failures, defeats, or tough moments, that’s when you need to push harder, work more, and keep going. It’s through hard work that you improve and keep moving forward.

How have you seen the team evolve since you arrived?
The evolution over these five years has been enormous—both on and off the field. From where we started to where we are now, the difference is like night and day. It’s exciting because it makes you want to keep improving.

One thing I’ve always said over the years is that seeing the team achieve positive results and climb the ranks has gone hand in hand with improvements in facilities, staff, and management. As the club performed well, we also engaged the community and fans, resulting in a huge improvement.

Now, you can see it everywhere: new Como Clubs, more fans, and growing enthusiasm. For us players, giving our all on the pitch and feeling that support is one of the best things we could hope for.

For many years, you supported Como from the curva. What match do you remember most fondly?

If I had to choose, the best match was the Lega Pro Second Division playoff final (the old Serie C2) in Alessandria, which brought us back to Serie C1.

It was incredible. We were the underdogs, with no home advantage, but we still won. I was in the curva, not at the Sinigaglia but in Alessandria, and I remember celebrating with all the players who came to our curva. Among them was Malatesta, now our goalkeeping coach. We occasionally reminisce about that game. I was just over 18, so it was a particularly emotional moment for me. That match is one I’ll always hold dear.

When you need some tranquility, is there a place in Como where you go to unwind?

Honestly, I’d say the lake promenade is the most beautiful and relaxing place. The scenery is stunning, and being close to the stadium makes it even better.

What’s something people might not know about Alessio Iovine?
By now, most people know I love Japanese manga. For me, it’s a true escape—a way to disconnect from the day’s worries, football, work, and family, and just let my mind wander.

I’m also a huge fan of other sports, like the NBA and European basketball, and I’m crazy about Formula 1. I’ll wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning to watch the Grand Prix races. 

How has Como changed from when you were a child to now?
I feel like it has become a much more tourist-friendly city, offering more opportunities for people from outside to stay for a few days, enjoy the lake, and visit Como’s historic buildings. Nowadays, it seems there are more options for visitors, and in recent years, with visits from some famous personalities, Como’s visibility has grown significantly. This is very positive in my opinion because, while it’s a much smaller city compared to other famous Italian destinations, Como offers a lot—whether it’s food, entertainment, or sightseeing, like the Duomo, for example. It allows visitors to discover new things.

Now that the club is known abroad and everyone knows Lake Como, it’s incredible to think that the whole world recognises Como’s football team and knows where it’s located. I believe the club has done a fantastic job in terms of visibility and in strengthening ties with the local area. Right from the start, they worked hard to connect with the community. They’ve done so many positive things, even during COVID. Como is now on everyone’s lips, and we need to keep that momentum, continuing to improve and bring even more people to visit the city.

For me, being local, it’s a source of pride. The club has contributed a lot, and I hope we can achieve even more in the future.

On the subject of tourism…where is the best place to get gelato here?

Gelateria Lariana, great gelato with a location that is perfect for a walk by the lake.

And your favorite comic book store?

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been visiting the one in Cantù. Graziano, owner of the place, is now a friend.

Favourite restaurants?

The best restaurant for me will always be “Sottovoce” in Piazza Cavour, but I also love Piazza Mazzini, which is not only the most beautiful square in Como but also full of very nice restaurants and bars.

With 150 appearances on the horizon, Iovine remains as committed as ever to the club and its future. His story is one of hard work, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for the game and his hometown.