The seventh episode of “11 volte Cornaredo” is now online; this is the series through which FC Lugano continues to look back at some of the most significant moments experienced at the club’s historic stadium.
The star of the new episode is Mattia Bottani, who previously featured in the second episode dedicated to his first goal in the bianconero shirt, scored on 30 November 2011 against Bellinzona. This time, however, the story focuses on an even more personal and recent moment: his farewell to Cornaredo, which also coincided with the captain’s final match in an FC Lugano shirt.
THE FAREWELL TO CORNAREDO
On 17 May 2026, during a 4-0 victory over FC Basel, FC Lugano officially bid farewell to Cornaredo with an evening destined to remain in the Club’s memory. For Bottani, that match held even deeper significance: it was not only his final game at the bianconeri’s historic stadium, but also the culmination of his long journey in the Lugano shirt.
In the episode, the captain reflects on the weight of the past few weeks, the daily routine on the way to the stadium, the simple rituals in the changing room, and the struggle of coming to terms with the realisation that an adventure lasting years has come to an end. A journey made up of habits, faces, memories and details which, at the very moment of farewell, take on a different meaning.
A BIANCONERA
STORY In his account, Bottani also reflects on the deeper meaning of his bond with the Club. Having grown up in Lugano, gone on to become number ten and captain, Mattia speaks of the pride he feels at having given his all for this shirt and at having remained true to himself, without ever feeling above the team, the city or the Club.
For him, the captain’s armband was an honour but also a responsibility. As a local player, Bottani has always felt a particular desire to repay the people around him: his family, friends, supporters and everyone who has accompanied him on his bianconeri journey.
A BOND THAT ENDURES
The seventh episode of “11 volte Cornaredo” thus becomes a story of belonging. It is not just the memory of a match, but a captain’s farewell to the place where he experienced some of the most intense emotions of his career.
Watch the full episode of “11 volte Cornaredo” featuring Mattia Bottani below.