Como Women Forward Roberta Picchi Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Club Extends Contract Through 2027/28 Season in Support

Italian women's football club Como forward Roberta Picchi has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the club has expressed its "continued commitment" by extending her contract until the end of the 2027/28 season.

Como said in a statement that Picchi will begin treatment, while the club's medical team will work closely with the specialists responsible for her care and provide support throughout the process. The statement read: "Everyone at Como 1907 stands with Roberta and will provide her and her family with all the support they need in the coming months. As part of this continued commitment, the club has extended Roberta's contract until the end of the 2027/28 season."

Timing of the diagnosis

The diagnosis came very suddenly. Picchi had just helped Como achieve promotion to Italy's top women's league for the first time in the club's history, with only a few weeks remaining before the start of the new Serie A Femminile season.

Picchi also released her own statement on social media. The 34-year-old forward wrote: "Nothing should be taken for granted, and I feel lucky. It is time to play my game, but I will come back with even greater determination."

Club asks for privacy to be respected

Como has also asked the public to respect Picchi's privacy, allowing her to focus on treatment and recovery. The club described the contract extension as part of its "continued commitment."

Como Women's first match of the new season will be against AC Milan on September 26. The club has not provided a timetable on whether Picchi will be able to take part in the match.

Men's team developments during the same period

Como's men's team has also been on an upward path in recent seasons. In 2024, the team returned to Serie A after 21 years and finished 10th in its first season back. Under the management of Cesc Fabregas last season, the team progressed further, finishing fourth and securing Champions League qualification.

This Thursday, Como will play the first Champions League match in the club's history, hosting Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. At the start of this Serie A season, Como have collected seven points from their first three matches and are temporarily fourth in the standings. After drawing with Udinese in the opening round, they went on to beat Napoli and Genoa. After facing Leipzig, Como will return to league action next Monday against Parma.