The Villarreal vs. Barcelona clash in Miami on December 20 has already sparked debate in Spain, but Italy may soon have its own overseas fixture. According to recent reports, the AC Milan vs. Como match—scheduled for the weekend of February 7–8, 2026—could take place not at the historic San Siro, but at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.
One of the key attractions would be Christian Pulisic, Milan’s American star, whose presence could boost interest in the Australian market. The shift is prompted by the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan-Cortina and use San Siro as the main venue.
AC Milan has expressed enthusiasm for the idea, while Como appears more cautious, given the exhausting journey such a trip would require. Even with both clubs on board, the match cannot be relocated without a complex approval process.
The Liga Serie A and FIGC have already given their consent, but final authorization must come from UEFA and FIFA. The Italian federation confirmed: “The Federal Council of the FIGC has given a positive opinion on the request for the AC Milan–Como match to be played in Perth.”
Global soccer expansion strategy
The move aligns with a broader trend in football governance—exploring new markets to generate additional revenue. UEFA has been considering allowing certain domestic league matches to be held abroad, much like LaLiga’s efforts with Villarreal–Barcelona. Organizations such as ECA and FIFPro are involved in discussions to ensure player welfare and competitive fairness. While the driving force is often commercial, the Winter Olympics make this case unique, as San Siro will be unavailable for football that weekend.
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In fact, the Italian federation pointed out that this unprecedented relocation would require approval from the Football Federation of Australia, the Asian Football Confederation, and FIFA. These entities already enjoy strong relations with Milan, thanks to past fixtures in Perth—such as Milan vs. Roma in May 2024 and Milan vs. Perth Glory in July 2025—which could work in the proposal’s favor.
Decision timeline and market impact
UEFA is currently evaluating the proposal, with no definitive answer for Milan and Como yet. If approved, the match would mark a significant milestone for Serie A, signaling an openness to internationalizing its product in ways previously seen in other leagues.
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Featuring Christian Pulisic in an Australian setting would not only attract American and Australian fans but also highlight Serie A’s ambitions to remain globally competitive. Whether this will become a one-off due to the Olympics or the beginning of a recurring trend remains to be seen, but the implications for global football scheduling are clear.
