Italian club Como 1907 have extended the contract of forward Roberta Picchi as a gesture of solidarity after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the club announced on Monday.
The diagnosis came at a particularly poignant moment for the 34-year-old, arriving soon after she had played a key role in helping Como's women's side clinch promotion to Serie A for the very first time. The news broke just weeks before the team's debut top-flight campaign was set to begin.
In a statement, Como confirmed that Picchi would now begin treatment with the backing of the club's medical staff, who will coordinate closely with the specialists overseeing her care. "Everyone at Como 1907 is alongside Roberta and will give her and her family all the support they need during the months ahead," the club said, adding that as part of that support, Picchi's contract has been extended through the end of the 2027/28 season.
Como also appealed for discretion during this period, stating: "At this time, we ask that Roberta's privacy is respected as she focuses on her treatment and recovery."
Picchi herself addressed the situation in a personal message shared on social media, striking a note of resilience and gratitude. "Nothing should ever be taken for granted, and I feel fortunate," she wrote. "It's time to play my match, but I'll be back even more determined."
The striker's absence will be felt when Como's women's team makes its long-awaited Serie A debut against AC Milan on September 26.
The supportive gesture toward Picchi comes during a period of broader success for the Como football project. The men's team, managed by former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent seasons. After returning to Serie A in 2024 for the first time in 21 years, Como finished 10th in their comeback campaign. Under Fabregas, the club then took another significant step forward last season, finishing fourth in Serie A to secure a place in the Champions League for the first time.
That European adventure is set to begin this week, with Como hosting Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on Thursday in their opening Champions League fixture.
Domestically, the men's team has also made a strong start to the new Serie A season. After being held to a draw by Udinese in their opening match, Como bounced back with consecutive victories over Napoli and Genoa, collecting seven points from three games to sit fourth in the table. Following the Champions League clash with Leipzig, attention will turn back to the league, with Como set to face Parma next Monday.
While the club continues to build momentum on the pitch under Fabregas, the news surrounding Picchi has served as a reminder of the personal challenges athletes can face away from competition. Como's decision to extend her contract despite the uncertainty of her health situation reflects the club's stated commitment to standing by their players through difficult times, not just on the field but off it as well.
As Picchi begins her treatment, the football community at Como and beyond will be watching for updates on her recovery, with the club emphasizing that her privacy remains a priority during this challenging chapter.
Based on reporting from The Independent (football).