The Serie A league is contemplating moving the match between Milan and Como to Australia, specifically to the Optus stadium in Perth. The game is currently scheduled for the first weekend of february. This potential move is due to the San Siro stadium in Milan being occupied by the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics.

Australia as a Neutral Venue

Tony Damascelli commented on the potential move in Il Giornale, highlighting the unusual choice of venue:

Milan-like on 7 February will be played in Australia… in times of migrants, Italian football looks for a new virginity by overcoming the ocean.

Damascelli notes that the Optus stadium in Perth,with a capacity of 61,266,is typically used for cricket,rugby,and Australian football. He describes the idea as “folkloristic” and questions the logic of playing a league match so far from Italy, given the travel time and time zone difference. He also points out that other leagues, such as the Premier League and the Liga, have considered similar moves in the past.

The Serie A League reportedly justifies the potential move by citing the conflict with the Winter olympics opening ceremony at San Siro on Friday,February 6th,which would create “organizational difficulties” for the Milan-Como match scheduled just two days later. Damascelli suggests that financial incentives are a primary driver and that the decision ultimately rests with Gianni Infantino.