The Brendan Rodgers Celtic joke to send shivers up fans' spines as Como stuns while battering the wallet
There's no doubt Como is one of the prettiest places on the planet – but it's also pretty steep, writes Michael Gannon in Como.
Celtic fans hit the city ahead of the Ajax game and they very quickly got hit in the wallet.
You'd be lucky to get a beer for less than a tenner and good luck getting a bit of dinner for less than 50 quid.
Put it this way, we popped in to one restaurant for a wee bowl of spag bol – but could only afford the Parmesan cheese.
There are some expenses you can't avoid though. Like taking a boat trip on Lake Como.
It's an experience too good to pass up on, and there are ways to do it that won't break the bank.
Unfortunately it means getting up at 6.30am to queue for tickets for the cheaper ferries.
It wasn't the easiest alarm call after a late night watching Nicolas Kuhn in action for Como and hiking it back to the digs well after midnight.
Incredibly, there was still a huge line, even at that ridiculous time in the morning, but at least the seats were in the bag.
It turns out you get what you pay for. The ferry that turned up for our group looked like the boat from Jaws – only in worse shape.
There were no outside viewing spaces so everyone was below deck. That would have been fine if the windows were half decent.
But these things could have done with a good scrub. We were scooting along the water alongside some of the most beautiful scenery in the world – yet could barely see a thing.
Just as well the boat stopped at the various towns and villages along the lake, including the stunning Bellagio.
Turns out it's not much like the Las Vegas Hotel but it's every bit as expensive.
It doesn't have a Greggs either so it was more antipasti rather than a cheese and onion pasty, and the wallet suffered another dent.
There won't be any such problems for the Celtic squad though, over in their swanky base around the bay.
Brendan Rodgers revealed he'd been here before as a guest of Watford's Italian owners when he was in charge of the hornets and he seemed to enjoy being back in town.
The Hoops boss was in the stands for the Como game against Al Ahli, along with coach Gavin Strachan and goalie coach Stevie Woods, with either side up next for his men.
Rodgers was in good form, cracking jokes at his press conference with the local media. At one point a journo asked Callum McGregor how he keeps things fresh after so much success.
'Changing managers', Rodgers laughed, which might have sent an even bigger shiver up the spine of Celtic fans than the drinks bill.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The Mediterranean island that Brits don't know about with spectacular beaches and it's loved by Italians
Plus, how to get there for under £10 IN THE MED The Mediterranean island that Brits don't know about with spectacular beaches and it's loved by Italians Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANY holidaymakers will jet off to Italy over the summer - but few know an underrated island so special even locals gush about it. Places like Sicily will always be popular with British holidaymakers, though if you speak to Italians its the Aegadian Islands they will be heading for. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The island of Favignana is the largest in the Aegadian Islands Credit: Alamy 5 You'll find amazing beaches with bright blue seas Credit: Alamy In total there are five Aegadian Islands, but only three are inhabited - Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Favignana is the largest of three main islands and from above is shaped like a butterfly. It's known for its blue and white fishing harbour and narrow streets. It's small, too, so there's no need to hire a car - you can cycle or walk around to see the towns or go to the beach. Another option is to take one of the many boat day trips to take a tour of the island. You'll see loads of coves and even go to the neighbouring island of Levanzo. Some of the most popular beaches on the island are Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino and Lido Burrone. One visitor said about Lido Burrone: "The crystal-clear water and white sand make it one of Favignana's most interesting beaches. It feels like being in the Caribbean." Another described Cala Rossa as a "blue dream" with spectacular sea and white sand. The beach is a recommended place for seeing marine life, as it's full of fish and a popular snorkelling spot. For any history buffs, Favignana was once the tuna capital of the world because of its tuna fisheries. 'Otherworldly' Italian island just three hours from the UK that featured in two huge Hollywood franchises 5 There are lots of restaurants, cafes and food stops around the island Credit: Alamy 5 You can easily explore the island by bike or foot In the 15th century, the island was ruled by Giovanni de Karissima who was also known as the 'Baron of Tuna". When it comes to where to eat on the island, you're most definitely spoilt for choice. There's plenty of seafood dishes thanks to its island location, as well as pasta, arancini and panelle. You don't have to eat at a restaurant either, there are plenty of markets and little takeaway shacks if you fancy something more causal. There are bars dotted around the island so whether you seek shade in the towns or full sun on the beach, you can always find somewhere to have a refreshing drink. When it comes to venturing there, Favignana is 10 miles from Sicily and is easily accessible by ferry. You can travel from Trapani to Favignana all year round and in the high season there are 25 crossings a day. The trip can take up to 1 hour and 10 minutes, with tickets starting at €10 (£8.68). Or you can hop from Marsala to Favignana which has five daily crossings and is generally quicker taking 30 minutes per trip. The ticket prices start at €13 (£11.29). Here's another Italian island that's loved by celebs and the royal family - it has hidden beaches and holiday villages. And you can visit this largely untouched Italian island with red sand beaches.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Celtic fans spot superstar holding their shirt in Como but it's not quite what they wanted as transfer clock ticks down
Expectant Celtic fans finally got to see a big star holding up a Hoops jersey. It just wasn't quite what they wanted though. Becky Hill – who is a famous singer, apparently – was in Como on Friday night as the Italian club hosted a swanky gala as part of their tournament this week and got a pic with a shirt. The town has sunk serious money into the tourist industry in these parts, which seems like a bit of a waste of dosh given the place is absolutely rammed to the gunnels with holidaymakers. Either way, Becky was on board, but Hoops fans are hoping to see a few more pictures with actual players clutching a jersey rather than pop stars. The clock is ticking and the pressure is on. Punters have a couple of dates on their minds – this week's Premiership kick-off and transfer deadline day. But it's another date that is the really important one for Celtic. Parkhead chiefs need to have their squad lists submitted for the Champions League play-off round by midnight on August 14, with the first leg of the tie just a week later. There's scope to chuck two more in after that point but by that stage you would be looking at lobbing a new man right into the thick of a crucial qualifier. It's hardly ideal. Listen, Celtic know all this. There is a frustration at some of the roadblocks being hit, with clubs playing hardball and agents being sneaky so-and-sos. Deals get close then go cold, all parties hold out as long as they can for more dosh and the plates keep spinning while supporters lose patience. It's been a familiar tale for Celts in recent years but they are going to have to ramp things up – and it has to be soon. In previous windows, the club has managed to do some solid late business. Everyone goes on about how Ange Postecoglou brought in a raft of new recruits nice and early, but they forget some of his marquee arrivals didn't check in until after they'd been papped out of the Champions League by Midtjylland. Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers were deadline day signings, while last year they waiting until the end of the window to get Arne Engels, Auston Trusty and Luke McCowan. It all felt a bit rushed by that point and Brenda Rodgers admitted he didn't want a repeat. Unfortunately the January window was an even bigger faff with Kyogo exiting and no replacement tied down. To be still waiting for the Japanese striker's locker to be filled eight months later does seem a tad silly, regardless of how tough it is out there. But this August 14 date is going to be an interesting line in the sand – and it will show punters how serious the club is about getting to the Champions League group stages again. Celtic are not a club that likes to gamble. They certainly haven't build up an impressive financial structure but taking wild punts. Yet they are going to have to if they want to give themselves the best possible chance of mixing it with the big boys. That's where they constantly tell folk they belong. It's about actions rather than words though. The draw for this play-off will be made on Monday so Celtic will know what kind of challenge they face. There will be some dangerous sides lurking around in there and right now the Hoops squad is perilously fragile. It will help having Carter-Vickers and Alastair Johnston back on board but everyone can see where the problems lie. Rodgers will probably get a striker and at least one winger, possibly even two wide men. But that's not building or progressing, it's just getting back to where they were at the turn of the year. Celtic have stockpiled plenty of cash and they have an elite manager in the dugout – for this season at least. Not letting him loose with a bumper budget is like having a Ferrari but never taking it out the garage. Rodgers came back because he had unfinished business in the Champions League. And if he's not given the tools to get there then no one could blame him for driving off into the sunset next May.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Italian city mixes nightlife with culture and makes for the perfect girls' mini-break
LA DOLCE VITA Italian city mixes nightlife with culture and makes for the perfect girls' mini-break Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CRACKING nightlife and great culture, too – this Italian city makes for the perfect girls' mini-break, says Senior Writer Donna Smiley. Cycling along the 15km seafront promenade, my friends and I all turn our heads at the same time to take in the view of the bronzed men playing volleyball on the beach. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Italian city Rimini is adored for its sandy beaches, arts and vibrant culture 5 Donna found Rimini to be the perfect city for a girls' mini-break It's 8pm on a Friday in Rimini – a small resort city on Italy's northern Adriatic coast that the Italians adore for its sandy beaches, arts and vibrant culture. The sun is still shining and the seafront is packed with people of all ages and from all walks of life, while bodyboarders catch the last waves. After locking up our bikes, we head to the pier for one of Rimini's most popular beachfront restaurants, Rock Island – a perfect place to watch the sunset with a glass of wine. It's buzzing, and while the outside bar pumps out loud house music to a younger crowd, I feast on delicious amberjack tortellini on asparagus cream, with a tomato confit and toasted almond flakes, £15, paired with a bottle of white Sartori Lugana wine, £19, in the elegant but relaxed interior ( On the way back to our hotel, the i-Suite, we stop for a nightcap at Barrumba, a pizza restaurant and live-music venue next door. At 1am, it's heaving and blasting out dance anthems – no one is in any rush for the night to end ( Revellers are relaxing in i-Suite's 24-hour pool, too, and we're tempted to join them – but for our early start to explore the city in a few hours' time. B&B for three people costs from £83 per person ( PIAZZA THE ACTION I'm in need of coffee and sugar come sunrise, and the friendly hotel waiter brings me a smooth cappuccino within minutes. 7 TOURIST DESTINATIONS - EVERGREEN LISTICLE We hire bikes for the day, £16 per person, and head to the historic old town, a 15-minute cycle away ( It's charming, with cobbled streets, ancient Roman landmarks, stunning medieval monuments and lively piazzas. Our first stop is the atmospheric Fellini Museum, which is dedicated to Italian film director and screenwriter Federico Fellini, who was recognised as one of the most influential ever in his field – he was even awarded the Honorary Oscar For Lifetime Achievement in 1993. Museum entry costs £8.50 ( Next, we head to Nud e Crud for a piada. It's the Emilia-Romagna region's traditional street food and is a cross between a pitta bread and a tortilla. I opt for the PidGreek with grilled chicken, salad and tzatziki, £8.50 – so tasty I could easily eat another – and sip a very reasonably priced Aperol Spritz, £5 ( That evening, we take a short train, £3, to Cesenatico – a small and pretty town in the heart of the Riviera Romagnola – to enjoy seafood at Osteria Bartolini, a cute trattoria with alfresco tables overlooking the canal. 5 You'll be happy as a clam at Osteria Bartolini We share a bottle of crisp Pignoletto Frizzante, £19.50, baby cuttlefish with artichokes, £18, potato and cod croquettes, £14, and boneless and fried sardines with aromatic tomato, £14 – all of which are fresh and tasty ( We skip dessert and head back to cute Gelateria Pellicano, behind our hotel, for creamy salted caramel gelato, £3.50 ( The next day, we wander through the lush greenery of Parco Cervi, which takes us from the beach through grand giant arch Arco di Augusto, where shops are brimming with designer and high-street fashion, art galleries and souvenirs, such as leather goods, ceramics and local wine. I can't resist picking up some delicious olive oil. TIRAMIS-SO GOOD! We decide to spend the afternoon sunbathing at the most popular free beach, Marina Centro at Piazzale Boscovich in the harbour area, before heading back to our hotel to change for a cycle over to dinner at The Grand Hotel Rimini. This five-star hotel has always been considered the symbol of 'la dolce vita' on the Adriatic Riviera and is a magnificent building with more than 100 years of history. 5 Rock Island is a perfect place to watch the sunset with a glass of wine It has hosted many celebrities in its time, including Princess Diana and actress Sharon Stone. Its ancient ballrooms are the beautiful setting for the (aptly titled) La Dolce Vita gourmet restaurant, where prices are surprisingly reasonable. The traditional risotto with carnaroli rice and grape and golden apple sauce, £19, is light and flavoursome, and for dessert, we all agree the tiramisu, £10.50, is to die for ( On another night, we treat ourselves to dinner at San Marino's fanciest restaurant, La Terrazza, which has breathtaking panoramic views. I start with the cheese and cold cuts selection with local mustards and honey from San Marino, £14 – the best I've ever had – before digging into handmade tagliolini pasta served with julienned crispy serrano ham and black truffle, £14, which also tastes amazing. A bottle of sparkling Pievalta Perlugo, £21.50, goes down rather nicely, too ( We head back to Rimini train station on our last day to catch a bus to San Marino – the world's smallest republic state – located on a mountain top. After the 50-minute journey, £5, we hop on a cable car to the top of Monte Titano and walk among picturesque townhouses and cobbled streets, where three old castles and towers are linked by strong walls and fortifications. Wandering along the Passo delle Streghe, a fortified pathway between two of the towers, we learn its name means 'steps of the witches'. Ancient legend has it that witches could sometimes be seen dancing on the rocks of Monte Titano at night! Whether that's true or not, Rimini has proved to be one magical mini-break. 5 Experience the magic of Passo delle Streghe Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
