The moment has finally arrived. On Thursday 23 July at 8.30 pm, FC Lugano will kick off the 2026/27 season and play their first official match at the AIL Arena.
Awaiting the Bianconeri will be KF Dukagjini in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. It will be an evening that combines the start of the club’s new European campaign with its very first match at its new home.
A MONTH OF PRE-SEASON PREPARATION
Lugano go into their first official fixture after a month of training, which began in Ticino and continued with a training camp in Weiler-Simmerberg, Germany.
During pre-season, Mattia Croci-Torti’s side played five friendlies, recording three wins, one draw and one defeat. These were useful tests to regain their rhythm, integrate the new signings and prepare for a particularly intense start to the season.
Now the countdown is over: the bianconeri’s official campaign begins against Dukagjini.
THE OPPONENT
Founded in 1958, KF Dukagjini represents the town of Klinë, in western Kosovo.
The team secured a place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League by winning the Kosovo Cup, following a 2–1 victory over KF Ferizaj on 21 May. In the league, however, the Kosovans finished the season in fourth place.
For Dukagjini, this marks a return to the European stage three years on from their participation in the 2023/24 UEFA Conference League preliminary rounds. On that occasion, they progressed past the first round against Europa FC of Gibraltar, before being knocked out by HNK Rijeka.
CROCI-TORTI: ‘THE TEAM CAN’T WAIT TO GET STARTED’
On the eve of the match, Mattia Croci-Torti expressed his satisfaction with the work carried out during pre-season: ‘I’m very pleased with how the lads have worked from the first training session right through to the last. I’ve seen dedication, professionalism, discipline and great focus. The team are in good shape, they’re motivated and can’t wait to get started.”
The bianconero manager then described an aggressive and particularly combative opponent: “They’re a team that runs for 90 minutes and makes aggression one of their strengths. They have interesting ideas on set pieces and try to press their opponents. We’ll have to be ready for the challenges from the very first second and not expect an easy match.”
Lugano will start as favourites, but they mustn’t underestimate the season opener: “We know we’re the favourites and we’ll have to impose our style of play, but we can’t afford to be overconfident or arrogant. The first matches of the season are always special and will require the right attitude, quality and focus.”
Croci-Torti finally spoke about his feelings ahead of the debut at the AIL Arena: “I can’t wait. Having the fans so close by could prove to be crucial for the team.”
STEFFEN: ‘WE MUST BE UP TO THE TASK’
Renato Steffen also highlighted the positive feelings that have developed during pre-season: “I’m very pleased with these first few weeks. I’ve seen a focused team that has worked hard and knows exactly what goals we need to achieve.”
The captain then spoke about his new home with the bianconeri and the responsibilities that come with it: “Being able to train every day at facilities of this calibre is wonderful, but it also raises expectations of us. Starting this new chapter at the AIL Arena with the captain’s armband makes me very proud and gives me extra energy.”
A SPECIAL JERSEY FOR THE DEBUT
To mark their official debut at the AIL Arena, the bianconeri will take to the pitch wearing a limited-edition version of the home jersey, featuring special embroidery on the chest. Only 118 numbered jerseys have been produced – one for each year of the club’s history.
The limited edition will be available for pre-sale on the evening of the match at the FC Lugano Store at the AIL Arena. Any remaining shirts will go on sale the following day via the official online shop.
WATCH THE PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW
WHERE TO WATCH THE MATCH
FC Lugano v KF Dukagjini will be broadcast live on RSI channels. For those outside Switzerland, the match will be available to stream on OneFootball.
