AC Milan vs. Como in Australia ‘most convenient’ option, says Minister for Sport | OneFootball

Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi insists playing AC Milan vs. Como in Australia is ‘the most convenient’ alternative for the Serie A fixture.

The game cannot be played at San Siro in February 2026 because that stadium is being used for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

Rather than find another venue close by, the Lega Serie A, Milan and Como worked to make history by organising the first ever Serie A fixture outside Italian soil.

The biggest obstacle was provided by UEFA, who this week gave the all clear to host the match in Perth, Australia.

Milan-Como to make history in Perth

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 31: AC Milan fans show their support before the match between Perth Glory and AC Milan at HBF Park on July 31, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“Milan-Como in Australia is probably the most convenient solution for the clubs,” insisted Minister for Sport Abodi on Tuttomercatoweb and news agency ANSA.

“I think this represents a good opportunity to promote Italian football, a league that needs to be much more international than it currently is.

“If we look at the revenue streams, the world represents only a quarter of what comes in from Italy, so something is not adding up.

“Also because it was dictated by an emergency over the venue, it can be seen as a good opportunity.”

CESENA, ITALY – MAY 24:Andrea Abodi during the Women Supercup match betweeen AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Fans are inevitably irritated that the Serie A match is being moved halfway across the globe and will therefore probably kick off at an unusual time as well.

“It is not a situation that can be easily repeated. The fact remains that football belongs to the fans, so we are asking the supporters of Milan and Como to make a small sacrifice,” added Abodi.

“I understand their upset, but I hope they also understand why this decision was made to take the game to the other side of the world and that it can provide the effects we are hoping for.”

Milan had already staged some friendly matches in Perth over the last couple of years, but this is the first competitive game to be played there.

Meanwhile, the Italian Super Cup will once again be hosted in Saudi Arabia.