Luciano Valente takes his place in Feyenoord’s starting lineup for their Champions League fixture against Como in Rotterdam, drawing intense scrutiny from Italian sports newspapers over his recent form and his decision to represent the Netherlands instead of Italy, Soccernews.nl reported.
The fixture at De Kuip brings together a Feyenoord side seeking European momentum and a Como squad managed by Cesc Fàbregas. For Valente, who spent his formative years in Italy, the match carries added personal resonance after a high-profile international tug-of-war that ultimately led him to choose the Dutch national team over the Azzurri.
Italian media focus on Valente’s choice of the Netherlands
La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted Valente’s dual roots in the buildup to the match, noting that the midfielder grew up in Italy and initially harbored ambitions of playing in Serie A and representing the Italian national team. Instead, a phone call from Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman redirected his international career. described how Valente had awaited contact from former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso before committing to the Oranje, marking a definitive shift in his international allegiance while leaving a part of his identity tied to Italy.
Our new captain.©️ Luciano Valente pic.twitter.com/fjit5Bf6s6
The Italian sports daily framed the encounter with Como as an opportunity for Valente to demonstrate his capabilities directly to an Italian audience. Making his tenth league or European start of the season for Feyenoord, the midfielder stepped onto the pitch in De Kuip tasked with unsettling Fàbregas’s tactical setup.
Feyenoord builds team chemistry under Valente’s leadership
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Feyenoord captain Luciano Valente pointed to a growing sense of unity within the squad as the foundation for their improved performances. According to 1908.nl, Valente described the club as operating like a “large family,” noting that strong interpersonal dynamics have brought clarity and stability to their tactical execution following a difficult previous campaign.
Valente acknowledged that Feyenoord faced a difficult start to their European campaign with a heavy defeat against FC Barcelona, but emphasized that the team drew valuable lessons and confidence from positive spells within that match. That resilience translated into domestic and continental improvements, setting the stage for their meeting with a disciplined Como side.
Tactical evolution and rising expectations in Rotterdam
Analysis following Feyenoord’s subsequent 3-2 victory over Como in the Champions League underscored Valente’s expanding influence on the pitch. Speaking on the Dick Voormekaar Podcast Extra and reported by FR12.nl, analysts Martijn Krabbendam and Pieter Zwart evaluated the midfielder’s development, suggesting his current output is approaching a level that transcends the Eredivisie.
Krabbendam recalled how Feyenoord’s technical staff first tracked Valente during his time at FC Groningen, where defender David Hancko and former manager Dick Lukkien both recognized his capacity to perform at a higher tier. Deployed primarily in a free role on the left wing this season, Valente has increased his attacking output, registering 19 created chances, goals, and an assist. Zwart noted that while Valente’s optimal position has shifted between central midfield and a wide attacking role throughout his career, his ability to find solutions in advanced areas has significantly elevated Feyenoord’s build-up play.
Upcoming fixtures and tournament progression
Feyenoord’s European campaign continues following their clash with Como at De Kuip, with the club scheduled to maintain its domestic and continental schedule under the direction of the coaching staff. Official updates regarding team fitness and upcoming match details will be provided through the club’s official channels ahead of their next scheduled fixture.
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