The long-awaited moment has arrived. For the first time, FC Lugano is set to play a match in the group stage of a European competition on home soil. On Thursday 15 October at 6.45 pm, the bianconeri will host FK Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) at the Lugano Arena on the opening day of the League Phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League. This is a particularly significant occasion, as emerged from the pre-match press conference, during which Mattia Croci-Torti and Renato Steffen spoke of their anticipation for the return of European football to Lugano, whilst acknowledging the challenges of facing an opponent with such a rich history.
A MILESTONE ACHIEVED ON THE PITCH
Thursday’s match marks the culmination of a journey that began in July, when Lugano beat KF Dukagjini in the second qualifying round, before eliminating NSÍ Runavík and securing a place in the League Phase via a two-legged play-off against Maccabi Tel Aviv. A journey that now allows the bianconeri to finally play those big European nights in front of their own fans, after years of playing their home matches in the main stages of continental competitions at other Swiss stadiums.
It is a milestone that Croci-Torti finds particularly satisfying: “I still remember my first match as a manager in a European group stage, against Bodø/Glimt. There was a lot of excitement and also some nerves, because we wanted to see if we were capable of competing at that level. Today, in my third such experience, I’m approaching it all with greater composure. I know this team can hold their own in Europe; we’ve already proven that in recent years.”
Added to this newfound confidence is the significance of finally being able to play at Juventus’ new home: “Last year we spoke at length about the new stadium and our desire to bring European football there too. We’ve done it; we’re here and we can’t wait.”
CLASH BETWEEN TWO UNBEATEN LEADERS
They will face one of the most prestigious clubs in Serbian and European football. Red Star Belgrade, winners of the European Cup and the Intercontinental Cup in 1991, boast a long tradition in UEFA competitions. The side coached by Albert Riera began their European campaign in the Champions League qualifiers, beating Larne before being knocked out by Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Their subsequent defeat in the Europa League play-offs against Viktoria Plzeň saw them enter the group stage of the Conference League.
Two different paths that converge at a particularly positive time for both teams. Lugano lead the Brack Super League with nine wins and one draw from their first ten matches, whilst Red Star sit top of the Serbian league, also unbeaten, with ten wins and one draw from eleven matches.
Croci-Torti is well aware of the calibre of the opposition: “We’re up against a team with a rich history and international experience, accustomed to playing in the Champions League and the Europa League. It’s a side that’s used to winning and dominating in its own league. It’ll be a tough challenge, but we’re not afraid. We have great respect for them and we’re ready.”
The manager also touched on Red Star’s style of play, highlighting the differences compared to Maccabi Tel Aviv, whom they faced in the play-offs: “Maccabi play a very positional style of football, whilst Red Star play differently, with plenty of movement and players constantly looking for space in other areas of the pitch. Riera is a manager who prepares these movements very well. We’re expecting a strong side, with different playing principles to those of the Israelis.”
Thursday’s match will be the first ever official encounter between Lugano and Red Star. The bianconeri have so far faced three different Serbian opponents in European competitions: in 2024, they secured a win and a draw against Partizan Belgrade, Red Star’s historic city rivals, and suffered a defeat away to TSC Bačka Topola in the Conference League group stage.
TEAM NEWS AND HOME SUPPORT
As for the line-up, Croci-Torti will have to do without the suspended Mattia Zanotti, who was sent off in the second leg of the play-off against Maccabi Tel Aviv. It is a significant loss, but one the manager believes he can manage: “It’s a major blow, because Mattia has already played at this level and possesses a level of aggression that helps us a great deal. But this year we’ve shown that we can rise to the occasion even when someone is missing. We have plenty of players ready to seize their chance.”
Red Star will also have to cope with several absences. Among the players who did not travel to Switzerland are captain Mirko Ivanić, Loizos Loizou, Derrick Luckassen and Mohammad Abu Fani, as well as the suspended Osman Bukari. Aleksandar Katai is also absent from the squad list.
For Juventus, however, there is some positive news regarding Renato Steffen, who returned to action against Lucerne following his injury. The number 11 explained that he feels ready again, although he needed a few minutes to get back into the rhythm of the game: “Fortunately, the injury wasn’t too serious and the international break allowed me to focus on my recovery without missing too many matches. Against Lucerne, I struggled a bit in the first 15–20 minutes, but playing helped me get back into the swing of things. Now I’m ready to make my contribution.”
Steffen also highlighted the team’s progress compared with previous European campaigns. The core of the squad has remained largely the same, but today it can draw on greater international experience and a maturity that has developed over the years. This process has also been accompanied by an increasingly close relationship with the fans, which has become a key factor in this start to the season.
It was precisely the fans’ support that was one of the final topics addressed by Croci-Torti, who is expecting a special atmosphere for the European debut: ‘Our fans are playing alongside us a bit today. They’re close to the team, they spur us on, and in difficult moments we feel their support. Tomorrow will certainly be an emotional occasion, for me too. Playing a proper European match in Lugano again takes me back to my childhood memories, to the great matches of yesteryear, such as those against Inter. I think these feelings will be shared by many long-standing bianconeri supporters.”
Having consolidated their top spot in the league with their recent 4–0 win over Lucerne, FC Lugano therefore head into this new European fixture on a high and with a sense of continuity. The match against Red Star Belgrade will kick off a run of six matches in the League Phase, three of which will be played in Lugano. It marks a new chapter in the club’s international journey, as it will be able to experience this stage of the competition in its own city for the first time.
WATCH MATTIA CROCI-TORTI’S PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:
