Serie A Clubs Descend on Australia for Summer Friendlies

This August, Perth, Australia, will host a series of captivating summer friendlies featuring prominent Serie A clubs: AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter, alongside Serie B outfit Palermo.

Earlier plans for a historic Serie A match in Australia between Milan and Como were unfortunately cancelled. However, Italian football enthusiasts residing in Australia will now have the opportunity to witness their favorite teams in action live.

All the matches are scheduled to take place at Optus Stadium. The opening fixture was the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina between Inter and Milan, which concluded in a 1-1 draw.

Following this, on August 8, Juventus will go head-to-head with Inter in the first Derby d'Italia of the 2026-27 campaign. The Bianconeri's tour will conclude on August 11 with a match against Palermo.

AC Milan was the first team to arrive in Australia, with their new coach Ruben Amorim already expressing his excitement at a press conference. He highlighted his appointment as a reflection of the club's desired playing style and shared his confidence, drawing on his experience with top clubs and his past successes and failures.

Inter will also be participating in matches in Hong Kong. The defending Serie A champions departed for Asia on Wednesday evening, following a transfer meeting between club directors and coach Cristian Chivu.

The August 8 clash between Inter and Juventus is generating significant buzz, even as a friendly. It marks the first encounter between the Bianconeri and Nerazzurri since a contentious Serie A match on February 14, 2026. During that game, Alessandro Bastoni's actions led to a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, sparking controversy due to what appeared to be simulation by Bastoni.

Serie A Clubs Set to Play in Australia This Summer

English Translation:

This August, Perth, Australia, will be the stage for exciting summer friendlies featuring Italian football giants AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter, along with Serie B team Palermo.

While a previous plan for the first-ever Serie A match in Australia between Milan and Como fell through, Italian football fans in Australia will now get to see their idols play live.

All games will be held at Optus Stadium. The opening match was the Derby della Madonnina between Inter and Milan, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Three days later, on August 8, Juventus will face Inter in the first Derby d’Italia of the 2026-27 season. On August 11, Juventus will play against Palermo.

AC Milan were the first to land in Australia earlier this week. New coach Ruben Amorim spoke at a press conference, stating that he was signed for his desired style of play and that his experience with top clubs like Manchester United, as well as his reflections shared with Mr. Cardinale, prepared him for the job.

Inter is also scheduled to play in Hong Kong. The reigning Serie A champions departed for Asia on Wednesday night after a transfer meeting between club directors and coach Cristian Chivu.

The match between Juventus and Inter on August 8 is highly anticipated, despite being a friendly. It will be the first time the two clubs meet since a controversial Serie A game on February 14, 2026, when Alessandro Bastoni's actions led to a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, with replays suggesting Bastoni may have gone down too easily.