In what may mark a turning level in European soccer’s historical past, Christian Pulisic’s Milan is ready to play a Serie A fixture overseas — a groundbreaking however polarizing transfer that has despatched shockwaves via the Italian soccer group. The historic match, which is able to see the Rossoneri face Como, has been authorised to happen at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, making it the first Serie A recreation ever performed outdoors Italy. But, whereas followers in Australia have a good time, these in Italy — and even throughout the golf equipment’ personal dressing room — are wrestling with the implications of this daring choice.
The announcement got here after UEFA granted an distinctive approval for 2 league video games to be performed overseas — Milan vs. Como in Serie A and Barcelona vs. Villarreal in La Liga, the latter scheduled for Miami Gardens’ Onerous Rock Stadium later within the 12 months. It’s a step UEFA had lengthy resisted, repeatedly emphasizing that “league matches needs to be performed on residence soil.”
The choice to maneuver Milan’s residence fixture wasn’t born from advertising and marketing ambitions alone. The actual purpose behind the relocation stems from San Siro’s unavailability in February 2026. Milan’s iconic residence stadium shall be occupied for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, leaving the Rossoneri with no appropriate venue.
With few options close by, the 2 golf equipment proposed shifting the match overseas. That concept shortly gained traction with Perth rising as the best host metropolis, providing monetary incentives estimated at $14 million. In accordance with La Repubblica, Milan will obtain the biggest share of these proceeds, whereas the remaining shall be distributed amongst different Serie A golf equipment. The sport will happen on the 65,000-capacity Optus Stadium, a contemporary enviornment that recurrently hosts main worldwide sporting occasions.
Debate that received’t finish — Pulisic speaks out
The announcement ignited fierce debate throughout Italy and past. Critics argue that taking a home fixture the world over undermines the integrity of Serie A, whereas others see it as a daring step towards globalizing Italian soccer.
Amid the rising storm, Christian Pulisic additionally addressed the problem, providing his personal tackle Milan’s unprecedented journey to Australia. The USMNT captain, who has loved a surprising begin to the season, admitted he was caught off guard by the event, describing it with a four-word response that immediately went viral — “It’s an odd one.”
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring.
Chatting with reporters earlier than the U.S. pleasant in opposition to Ecuador, the 27-year-old elaborated, by way of CBS Sports activities: “Am I tremendous thrilled that we’ve to go to Australia to play one recreation? It’s just a little bit harsh as a result of I heard about that as properly, however so far as for the fan expertise to develop the sport worldwide, I get it. For custom, although, I can even perceive why there can be a little bit of pushback.”
He went on to attract comparisons to American sports activities: “I suppose it’s not that totally different. The NFL and NBA do it on a regular basis. However for us, it’s more durable — we’ve much more video games, and the journey’s positively tougher.”
