When Hollywood and Calcio Collide: Kate Beckinsale at Como-Verona
Published on: October 1, 2024
What do a World Cup winner, superstar rapper and iconic English actress all have in common? Not much at all, other than they all appeared at Como’s home match on the weekend. I’m talking about Claudio Gentile, Guè and Kate Beckinsale.
Calcio has always been known for its passion, history and die-hard fanbase and now clubs like Como 1907 are adding entertainment to their matchday experience. Before the Lariani’s match against Hellas Verona, fans were treated to a live pre-match concert by Italian rapper Guè (the artist formerly known as Gué Pequeno). Among those present were a host of famous names including Rhuigi, Liam McDevitt and a who’s who of former Serie A greats.
As victory, music and familiar faces capped a perfect day at the Sinigaglia for Como fans, the Underworld star’s appearance at the match reflects the rising trend of celebrities embracing Italian football and its evolving matchday experience.
The home club’s program was more like an opening ceremony of a tournament rather than an average day out at the footy. Is this what Serie A fans have been waiting for? And who could resist a weekend of Italian culture, music and football? Not Kate Beckinsale.
Celebrity Interest in Italian Football
Beckinsale is just one of the many celebrities taking notice of Italian football’s growing appeal. Dame Helen Mirren, was spotted attending a Lecce game. Canadian rapper Drake has joined the movement, but in a different capacity – he’s now an investor in Venezia. Teaming up with a new group of international backers, including APEX Capital, a global sports-focused investment firm, Drake is looking to bring a fresh vision to Italian football through Venezia’s revival both on and off the pitch.
The sports investment company said on Instagram: “Global icon Drake has joined @veneziafc investor group alongside APEX to fund the club ahead of its Serie A season. His Nike sub-brand NOCTA becomes the team’s official kit sponsor, a huge step towards the merging of culture and sports.”
This wave of celebrity attention shows how Italian football is expanding beyond die-hard local fans and starting to attract global icons who see the sport as an intersection of entertainment, culture and luxury.
World Cup winners Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry have taken lead roles at Como, further boosting the league’s profile. On Saturday, former Colombia defender Ivan Cordoba made the trip to the Sinigaglia, a billing which also lured Argentina great Walter Samuel, former Como CEO Michael Gandler, and Verona mayor Damiano Tommasi (former Italy international).
The American-Style Matchday Transformation
Many Italian-American owners of Serie A clubs, such as Gerry Cardinale, owner of AC Milan, are leading the charge in modernising the calcio experience across Italy. Inspired by American sports culture, these owners aim to combine football with music, entertainment and vibrant visuals. Their goal is to attract a more diverse and global audience by making game day an all-encompassing experience – something more than just football.
This formula blends the sport with live music, celebrity appearances and pre- and post-match events that create an exciting atmosphere.
This evolution is designed to not only engage existing fans but also to attract new ones from around the world. With Serie A striving to compete with rival leagues across Europe, foreign ownership groups like Como and Milan’s are more than willing to import proven strategies from abroad.
Como: A Celebrity-Fueled Destination
Como’s appeal to celebrities like Beckinsale isn’t just due to the football. Lake Como itself is a well-known destination, famous for hosting some of the world’s most high-profile personalities. With the addition of top-tier football and a modernised matchday experience, Como 1907 is transforming into a glamorous hub where sport and other forms of entertainment intersect.
The combination of scenic beauty, world-class entertainment, and Italian football is turning the club into a major destination for both fans and international stars. Como’s unique approach is indicative of a larger trend in Italian football, where clubs are focusing on creating unforgettable matchday experiences that transcend the game itself.
And winning helps too, with Beckinsale part of the 10,000-strong attendance that witnessed Como’s historic first top-flight win at home in 21 years, and their second victory in five days. It was a result that propelled Fabregas’s men into the top half of Serie A.
The Future of Italian Football: Sport Meets Spectacle
As the lines between sport, entertainment, and celebrity blur, Italian football has the opportunity to enter a new era. The involvement of celebrities points to a future where Serie A is not only a top football league but also a global cultural event.
The future of Serie A lays in its own hands, with England and Germany unable to match Italy’s unrivalled wow factor: Florence, Milan and Rome.
With Como and Venezia leading the charge, the world of Italian football is quickly becoming a must-watch spectacle, both on and off the pitch.
