European Football Giants to Play Serie A Match in Australia Next Year—Not Everyone Happy

• AC Milan expected to host a Serie A match in Perth
• San Siro stadium will be used for the Winter Olympics
• The game against Como may take place at Optus Stadium on February 6

In a historic move, AC Milan has received approval from the Italian Football Federation to host a Serie A match against Como in Perth next year. This would mark the first time a competitive Serie A game is played outside Italy, although the timing conflicts with the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics at Milan’s famed San Siro stadium on February 6.

The fixture has sparked mixed reactions among football fans. Some have criticized the idea, questioning its cost and appeal, with one supporter calling it “pathetic” and asking, “Who would want to watch AC Milan versus Como in Australia?”

AC Milan has the green light from the Italian Football Federation to hold a match in Perth next year.

The game might feature Como’s squad led by Cesc Fabregas, as the San Siro will be unavailable due to the Winter Olympics.

Some critics have sarcastically suggested playing matches in unlikely locations, such as: “Why not play Inter Milan and Juventus on the Gaza Strip?”

AC Milan recently visited Western Australia for a preseason match against Perth Glory at HBF Park, where the Italian side won convincingly 9-0. Perth Glory’s coach, David Zdrilic, praised Milan’s quality and highlighted the high level of expertise on display, calling it a valuable learning experience for his team.

Similar ambitious plans for overseas matches have faced challenges in other leagues. Last year, Spain’s La Liga considered holding Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid in Miami, but the idea was dropped due to logistical issues. In 2019, Barcelona’s plans for a match against Girona in Miami were also canceled under opposition from Spain’s football authorities. The English Premier League has stated it has no plans to stage matches abroad.