Serie A Heads to Australia: AC Milan vs Como Set for Historic Clash Down Under

Italian FA Approves Milan-Como Clash in Perth, Pending FIFA and UEFA Nod

In a groundbreaking move that marks a new era for Italian football, Serie A is set to stage its first-ever league fixture outside the country. The highly anticipated showdown between AC Milan and Como, scheduled for the weekend of February 7-8, 2026, will be played in Perth, Australia, pending final approval from global and continental football authorities.

The decision, formally endorsed during a Thursday morning Federal Council meeting of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), paves the way for Italian top-flight football to reach fans on the other side of the world. According to reports, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina informed the Board of his intention to support Serie A’s request, opening the door for the international expansion of the league.

The Bigger Picture: Why AC Milan vs Como and Why Now?

While the idea of taking Serie A matches abroad has been floated for years, the timing of this move aligns with a unique logistical challenge and an equally compelling opportunity. On February 6, 2026, San Siro will serve as the venue for the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. With AC Milan effectively displaced from their home ground for that weekend, the league needed to find an alternative location for their fixture against Como.

Rather than simply shifting to another domestic stadium, league officials opted to go bold. Enter Australia, a country with a strong Italian community and growing appetite for top-level football. Perth was quick to submit a proposal, and with the support of local sporting bodies and infrastructure, it emerged as the preferred destination.

A Long Time Coming: Serie A’s Global Expansion Ambitions

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The Milan-Como game represents a significant milestone in Serie A’s long-term strategy to grow its global brand. Back in March, Serie A President Ezio Simonelli hinted at a vision to take competitive fixtures overseas. While the United States was initially floated as a likely landing spot, Australia’s enthusiasm and logistical readiness gave it the upper hand.

Simonelli, in previous interviews, emphasized the importance of bringing “real” football experiences to international fans, beyond the usual off-season friendlies. “To build true emotional connections with fans abroad, they need to experience the passion and stakes of a real Serie A match,” he said.

What Needs to Happen Next: Final Approvals Awaited

While the Italian FA has thrown its weight behind the project, there are still several formalities to navigate before the match becomes official. The authorization process involves sign-offs from:

• FIFA (the global football governing body)
• UEFA (the European football federation)
• The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• The Australian Football Federation (AFF)

All parties must assess calendar compatibility, player welfare considerations, and commercial interests before giving the green light. The expectation is that these approvals will be granted, with talks reportedly progressing positively behind the scenes.

Fans in Australia Rejoice

The announcement has been met with jubilation among Australian football fans, especially within the large Italian diaspora in Perth and Melbourne. Local clubs, fan associations, and sports venues have all expressed support for the initiative, seeing it as a chance to host one of the world’s most prestigious football leagues.

“This will be the biggest club match ever played on Australian soil,” said one member of Perth’s Italian Sporting Club. “To see a club like AC Milan play a real Serie A match here is something we never imagined.”

A Strategic Move for Both Clubs

For AC Milan, the trip to Australia is more than just a necessity due to the Olympic Games. It’s a chance to boost global visibility, expand their commercial reach, and connect with fans in emerging football markets. The club already enjoys strong support in Asia-Pacific regions, and this fixture is expected to solidify their presence further.

Como, recently promoted and ambitious in their own right, also stand to gain. With new investment and a fresh project underway, being part of this historic event gives them a platform to elevate their brand internationally.

Potential Commercial Impact

Industry analysts predict the game could generate significant revenue through broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandise, and promotional events. Beyond direct profits, however, the larger prize lies in Serie A’s positioning as a truly global league.

The Premier League and La Liga have long enjoyed dominant international presence. Now, with a fixture in Australia, Serie A is signaling that it too is ready to join the global football conversation in earnest.

Historical Significance

This move echoes similar initiatives in other sports, such as the NFL’s London and Germany games, or La Liga’s aborted 2018 attempt to play in Miami. Unlike previous efforts that met resistance, however, Serie A’s match in Perth feels well-timed and well-executed.

By capitalizing on an unavoidable scheduling conflict and turning it into a marketing opportunity, Serie A is not only solving a problem—it’s setting a precedent. If successful, we could soon see more fixtures played across Asia, the Americas, and beyond.

What’s Next for the 2025-26 Serie A Season?

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As for the rest of the season, all eyes are now on the calendar. The campaign is set to kick off on August 23, 2025. Opening fixtures include:

• AC Milan vs Cremonese
• Como vs Lazio
• Napoli vs Sassuolo

With the Milan-Como fixture earmarked for international travel, logistical teams will be hard at work organizing team movements, accommodations, and fan engagement events. The match’s exact kick-off time and date will be confirmed once international approvals are secured.

Final Thoughts

Serie A’s venture into Australia is more than just a novelty. It’s a calculated risk that could pay dividends in visibility, revenue, and fan engagement. For fans in Perth, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the beautiful game at its most authentic. For the league, it’s a bold step into the future.

One thing is certain: on the weekend of February 7-8, 2026, Perth will be the epicenter of Italian football—and the world will be watching.