Como Ties Roberta Picchi to Long-Term Deal Amid Cancer Fight

Como have tied Roberta Picchi to a new long-term contract just as the veteran forward begins treatment for breast cancer, turning a promotion fairytale into a story of solidarity and resolve.

The Italian club, preparing for their first-ever campaign in the women’s Serie A, confirmed they have extended Picchi’s deal until the end of the 2027-28 season, calling it part of their “continued commitment” to the 34-year-old.

Instead of facing an uncertain future at the peak of her career, Picchi now knows the club will stand behind her for four more seasons while she undergoes treatment.

Como’s medical staff will work alongside the specialists overseeing her care, with the club stressing that she will not face the coming months alone.

“Everyone at Como 1907 is alongside Roberta and will give her and her family all the support they need during the months ahead,” read a club statement. They also appealed for calm around the player: “At this time, we ask that Roberta’s privacy is respected as she focuses on her treatment and recovery.”

Picchi arrives at this battle off the back of one of the best seasons of her career. She was part of the Como side that stormed to the Serie B title, finishing 11 points clear of Lumezzane to clinch a historic first promotion to the top flight of Italian women’s football.

Her message after the diagnosis carried the same competitive edge that has defined her on the pitch.

“Nothing should ever be taken for granted, and I feel fortunate,” she wrote on social media. “It’s time to play my match, but I’ll be back even more determined.”

While Picchi steps away to fight a very different kind of contest, Selena Mazzantini’s newly promoted side must now navigate Serie A without one of their leaders on the field. Their debut season in the top division begins against AC Milan on 26 September.

The fixture list says Milan. The mood around Como says something else: this team’s first big test of the season has already begun.