Italian League Confirms Australia As Venue For Serie A Match

AC Milan vs Como to be played in Perth after San Siro unavailable for winter Olympic opening.

The Italian football league has confirmed that AC Milan’s Serie A match against Como is set to be played in Perth, Australia, on February 8, 2026, marking a potentially historic first for the Italian top flight.

The relocation became necessary because Milan’s San Siro stadium will host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, leaving AC Milan without a home venue on that date. League officials met with FIFA and other governing bodies to resolve concerns, including the use of AFC-appointed referees before giving the fixture the green light.

Serie A president Ezio Simonelli said the match will go ahead in Perth after “cordial” discussions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and reassurances on officiating quality.

This decision follows a trend of high-profile overseas matches by domestic leagues, although other attempts, such as La Liga’s Miami plans, were scrapped amid uncertainty and opposition.

However, the proposal has stirred debate, with some opponents questioning the feasibility and impact of staging a regular league match over 13,000 km from home, including concerns over player travel, conditions, and tradition.