Como vs Sampdoria 1986: A Near Miss & Forgotten Stars
Como, a team brimming with talent in the mid-1980s, came agonizingly close to reaching the Coppa Italia final in , falling just short against Sampdoria in a dramatic semi-final tie decided by away goals. The story of that run, and the heartbreak that followed, remains a poignant memory for those who followed Italian football during that era.
The Como side of was a genuine force, finishing ninth in Serie A – a remarkable achievement that almost mirrored the success of Sampdoria, who would later claim the Scudetto. Rino Marchesi, the team’s manager, had taken over from Roberto Clagluna mid-season, injecting a novel energy that propelled them through the Coppa Italia rounds. They navigated a challenging early stage, overcoming Torino, before impressively dispatching Juventus in the round of sixteen and then defeating the reigning champions, Verona, in the quarter-finals.
At the heart of this ambitious Como team was captain Dirceu José Guimarães, known simply as Dirceu. A gifted attacking player, capable of playing as a winger or in an attacking midfield role, Dirceu was a key figure for the Brazilian national team throughout the 1970s and 80s, participating in three World Cups. However, his participation in the 1986 World Cup was in jeopardy. He was battling a knee injury, desperately trying to regain fitness in time to feature for Brazil in Mexico. Unfortunately, his recovery proved insufficient, and he missed the tournament.
Alongside Dirceu, Como boasted a potent attacking force. Stefano Borgonovo, the team’s center forward, was a player who would leave an indelible mark on Italian football. Partnering him up front was Swedish striker Dan Corneliusson, described as tall and effective when fit. The squad also included experienced players like Pasquale Bruno, Luca Fusi, Giancarlo Centi, and Stefano Maccoppi, all of whom enjoyed successful careers.
Sampdoria, under the guidance of Eugenio Bersellini, were on the cusp of greatness themselves. Although they would ultimately lift the Serie A title at the end of the season, they weren’t yet the dominant force they would become. The Sampdoria lineup featured a young Gianluca Vialli, though he was sidelined through injury for both semi-final legs, and a rising star in Roberto Mancini.
The first leg, played in Genoa, ended in a 1-1 draw. Salsano scored for Sampdoria, while Maccoppi found the net for Como. This result set the stage for a tense return leg at the Stadio Sinigaglia, Como’s home ground, which was packed to capacity. The atmosphere was electric, fueled by the proximity of the World Cup and the magnitude of the occasion. A win by more than one goal, or a goalless draw, would see Como through to the final, thanks to the away goals rule – a regulation that has since been abolished.
Como started brightly, and Massimo Albiero, a defender by trade, gave them the lead. The stadium erupted, and the dream of reaching the final seemed within reach. However, their joy was short-lived. Veteran English forward Trevor Francis equalized for Sampdoria, sending the tie into extra time.
The match remained deadlocked after extra time, and Sampdoria progressed to the final on away goals. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Como, who had come so close to a historic achievement. The story of that semi-final, and the players who featured in it – Dirceu, Borgonovo, and the rest – continues to be recounted with fondness and regret by those who remember that exciting era of Italian football. It was a team that, despite falling short, left a lasting impression on the hearts of its supporters.