Italian powerhouses AC Milan, Como poised for Perth clash
Perth is poised to host a historic clash between Italian football giants AC Milan and Como next year in what will be the first-ever major European match played for points on foreign soil, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the deal.
Italy's top-flight competition, Serie A, has been forced to search for alternative venues in February next year with Milan's San Siro Stadium, which has a capacity of 80,000, out of action due to the Winter Olympics.
The state government has been in negotiations with the league to bring a match to Perth, while Optus Stadium has been locked away for February 8.
AC Milan will next month return to Perth for a pre-season friendly for the second consecutive year, taking on Perth Glory in an exhibition match at HBF Park on July 31.
The European giant also faced Italian rivals AS Roma at Optus Stadium last year, drawing a bumper crowd of 56,000 fans.
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The club has developed a 'great relationship' with the state government on the back of these matches, sources told 9News Perth.
Western Australia claiming hosting rights for next year's clash with Como would mark a significant step-up of that bond with no other major European league ever venturing outside the continent for a competitive clash.
AC Milan are one of the biggest clubs in world football, having claimed 19 Serie A titles across their history. The club views the prospect of playing a proper match in Australia as a strong opportunity to further boost that profile, according to sources.
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