AC Milan to Play Historic Serie A Match in Perth

Seven-time European champion AC Milan will make history by playing a Serie A fixture in Perth, Western Australia, in February. This marks the first time an Italian league game will be held in the region, due to the unavailability of their home stadium, San Siro, as it prepares for the Winter Olympics.

The match against Como, scheduled at Optus Stadium, was facilitated by UEFA, who have approved the overseas fixture despite reservations about setting a precedent. UEFA stated that they disapprove of clubs playing international matches outside Europe, but they chose to make an exception in this instance. FIFA’s endorsement is also anticipated, completing the necessary approvals.

Perth was selected partly because of its long-standing ties with Australia, notably through the Italian diaspora, which has supported previous Milan appearances in the country. The club played Roma at Optus Stadium in 2024, drawing over 56,000 fans, and expects a similar turnout for the Milan-Condo game.

AC Milan boasts 19 domestic titles, with recent success in 2022, and features star players like Luka Modric, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, includes notable players such as Alvaro Morata and Diego Carlos.

This regional debut signifies a historic moment, as it will be the first major competitive club match involving European teams played abroad. The move was influenced by a legal case initiated by an American promoter aiming to host matches in the U.S., which pressured UEFA to reconsider its stance on overseas fixtures.

UEFA emphasized that league matches should typically be confined to their home countries to sustain the integrity of domestic leagues and preserve dedicated fanbases. However, acknowledging the unique circumstances, they have made an exception, stressing it should not become a common practice.

Serie A President Ezio Simonelli viewed the opportunity as a way to engage local fans and bring Italian football closer to its supporters abroad.