Allegri Expresses Preference for Milan-Como Match to Stay in Italy

Milan: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri voiced his preference on Thursday for the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como, scheduled for February, to remain in Italy instead of being relocated to Australia. Serie A has made the decision to move the game to Perth, Australia, in order to avoid a scheduling conflict with the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the San Siro, a decision that has sparked controversy.

According to Ansa News Agency, Spain recently witnessed significant protests, which led to the Spanish top flight’s announcement on Wednesday to scrap plans for the Villarreal-Barcelona match to be held in Miami. Allegri commented during a news conference ahead of Serie A leaders Milan’s home match against newly promoted Pisa on Friday. He acknowledged that his opinion might carry little weight but emphasized the importance of a timely decision. Allegri stated, “If we play in Italy, it’s better. If we have to go to Perth, we will get organized for it.”

Earlier in the month, UEFA approved the requests for the Milan-Como and Villarreal-Barcelona matches to take place abroad, albeit reluctantly. UEFA maintained its stance against domestic league matches being played in other countries, underscoring its opposition to such arrangements.