Crystal Palace’s preparations for the new season are set to include a trip to Italy after confirmation that the club will take part in the prestigious Como Cup later this summer.
The tournament, which will be staged between July 28 and August 1 on the shores of Lake Como, promises to provide Oliver Glasner’s side with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against a variety of European opposition ahead of the new campaign.
Crystal Palace will be joined by French side RC Lens, Spanish outfit Villarreal, Portuguese club Famalicรฃo, hosts Como 1907 and Saudi Arabian team Alula SC in what is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing pre-season competitions of the summer.
The event will bring together clubs from several different footballing cultures and leagues, offering participants a chance to build fitness, experiment tactically and integrate new signings before competitive football resumes.
For Palace, the tournament represents another important step in preparations for what supporters hope will be a significant season under Glasner. Following the club’s impressive progress in recent campaigns, expectations have risen considerably around Selhurst Park, with fans eager to see the Eagles continue their upward trajectory.
The Como Cup will also provide Palace supporters with an early glimpse of any new arrivals who may join the squad during the transfer window. Pre-season tournaments often offer managers the opportunity to assess players in competitive environments while refining tactical plans ahead of the challenges that lie ahead.
The picturesque setting of Lake Como has helped elevate the competition’s profile, attracting clubs from across Europe and beyond. The region has become increasingly associated with football in recent years, particularly following the rise of Como 1907 and the growing attention surrounding the Italian club.
RC Lens have already announced their participation in the event and are expected to arrive with a strong squad as they continue preparations for the new Ligue 1 season. Villarreal will provide further quality opposition, while Famalicรฃo and Alula SC add additional international flavour to the tournament.
The original announcement stated:
“๐ฎ๐น๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐จฬ๐ฆ๐ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ง ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ฬ๐ฌ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐ง !
Le RC Lens va participer ร la Como Cup du 28 juillet au 1er aoรปt avec Crystal Palace, Villareal, Famalicรฃo, Como 1907 et l’Alula SC.”
From Palace’s perspective, the tournament offers the perfect balance of competitive football and preparation time. Facing opponents from different leagues and tactical backgrounds should provide useful tests before the Premier League season begins.
With several high-profile clubs involved and a stunning Italian backdrop, the Como Cup is expected to attract significant attention. For Crystal Palace, it will be another opportunity to continue building momentum and sharpen their preparations before the serious business of the new season gets underway.
