Como's Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia has been hit by extreme weather ahead of Manchester United's Champions League visit

Como had to make drastic changes to their stadium to avoid having to play Manchester United and their other Champions League fixtures more than 100 miles away from home. Cesc Fabregas's unfashionable side provided one of the feel-good stories of European football last season when they qualified for the Champions League ahead of the likes of Juventus and AC Milan.

Playing a European giant like United will be a historic moment for Como, provided Wednesday's match goes ahead as planned following intense rainfall in northern Italy. More than 6cm of rain was forecast in the 24 hours before kick-off, with an orange rain warning of "severe weather" issued by the Italian Air Force National Meteorological Service.

The game could have been moved for another reason as, at the end of last season, Como's Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia didn't meet the required standard for Champions League football.

If the ground wasn't updated in double-quick time, it would have meant Como playing their European games at Sassuolo's stadium, 124 miles to the south.

However, intense work has brought the stadium up to UEFA Category 4 status, with a rebuild of one of the stands and upgrades to floodlights, media facilities, toilets and security systems. The pitch was widened by two metres and relaid with new-generation hybrid grass, which aids Fabregas's fluid style of play.

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After the work was completed, Como issued a statement which said: "To meet UEFA requirements, renovation work on the stadium has been completed, including the construction of a new stand and the enhancement of infrastructure, security systems and operational facilities.

"Sinigaglia has been the home of Como 1907 for almost a century. Its role in the city and in the life of the club makes the opportunity to play these matches here particularly special.

"Como 1907 would like to thank everyone who helped make this possible, as well as our fans for their patience and constant support throughout the entire process."

With the overhaul completed, the issue heading into Tuesday's match is the weather. Asked if he had any concerns about the surface or even the match being impacted, United boss Michael Carrick said: "No, nothing immediate for me. We're kind of used to the rain, so we'll make the most of it."

Of bigger concern to Carrick is breaking United's six-game winless run across all competitions, which has led to speculation over his future. Speaking ahead of the game, he said: "I know the role, I know my responsibilities.

"I don't need anyone else to tell me that or tell me when it's going well or when it needs to be better. I know that myself. I know the realities and I've got no problem with that. It's pretty clear."