Perth is set to host a blockbuster piece of Italian football history, with confirmation that a Serie A match will be played at Optus Stadium in 2025. In a major coup for Western Australia, the fixture will see legendary club AC Milan take on the newly promoted Como 1907.
Historic Deal Seals Italian Football For Perth
The President of the Serie A League, Ezio Simonelli, has personally confirmed the groundbreaking agreement. The match is scheduled for the weekend of May 23-24, 2025, marking the first time a regular-season Serie A game will be staged in Australia. This follows the successful precedent set by La Liga, which brought a match to Sydney in 2022.
Simonelli emphasised that the deal is fully finalised, stating the event "will go ahead" and is a significant part of Serie A's strategy to grow its international brand. The choice of Perth's state-of-the-art Optus Stadium underscores its world-class reputation for hosting major events.
Clubs and Star Power Heading West
The fixture promises to deliver elite football talent to Australian shores. AC Milan, one of the world's most famous and successful clubs with 19 Serie A titles and seven European Cups/Champions Leagues, will be the headline act. Their opponent, Como 1907, brings its own compelling narrative, having secured promotion to Italy's top flight for the first time in over two decades.
While specific player availability will depend on form and fitness closer to the date, the match is expected to feature global stars. This presents a rare opportunity for Australian fans to see icons of the European game live, without the need for a 24-hour flight.
A Strategic Win for WA Tourism and Sport
The event is more than just a football match; it's a strategic win for Western Australia. Hosting such a high-profile international sporting fixture is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to local tourism and the economy, drawing interstate and international visitors.
It also cements Perth's growing reputation as a premier destination for world sport, following events like the recent FIFA Women's World Cup matches. The state government, via Tourism WA, has been instrumental in securing the match, viewing it as a perfect platform to showcase Perth to a global audience.
For local football fans, from the grassroots community to the avid A-League supporters, this is a landmark moment. It offers unprecedented access to the pinnacle of Italian club football and is likely to inspire a new generation of players and fans across the state.
