AC Milan vs. Como in Australia ‘most convenient’ option, says Minister for Sport

“Milan-Como in Australia is probably the most convenient solution for the clubs,” insisted Minister for Sport Abodi on Tuttomercatoweb and news agency ANSA.

“I think this represents a good opportunity to promote Italian football, a league that needs to be much more international than it currently is.

“If we look at the revenue streams, the world represents only a quarter of what comes in from Italy, so something is not adding up.

“Also because it was dictated by an emergency over the venue, it can be seen as a good opportunity.”

Fans are inevitably irritated that the Serie A match is being moved halfway across the globe and will therefore probably kick off at an unusual time as well.

“It is not a situation that can be easily repeated. The fact remains that football belongs to the fans, so we are asking the supporters of Milan and Como to make a small sacrifice,” added Abodi.

“I understand their upset, but I hope they also understand why this decision was made to take the game to the other side of the world and that it can provide the effects we are hoping for.”

Milan had already staged some friendly matches in Perth over the last couple of years, but this is the first competitive game to be played there.

Meanwhile, the Italian Super Cup will once again be hosted in Saudi Arabia.