Serie A president ‘optimistic’ about Milan v Como in Australia – Football Italia

Lega Serie A president Ezio Simonelli says he “remains optimistic” about hosting February’s fixture between Milan and Como in Australia, “despite some resistance to the idea.”

Speaking at a press conference after today’s assembly, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport, Simonelli confirmed “there are no developments yet, we are still waiting for UEFA’s approval, which we hope will arrive by the end of the month.”

In response to the criticism, Simonelli argued “We are talking about one match out of 380, as we explained already in our statement. I understand it is not an easy trip though I know some fans will use it as an opportunity to visit a continent they don’t know. We have a big base of Italian supporters and as a league, we have the responsibility to increase the visibility of our product in countries where there is demand. Let’s wait a little longer…”

Milan-Como could become first Serie A match abroad

If the game goes ahead in Australia, it will be the first match in European football to be played abroad, with plans for the fixture to take place in Perth.

It is not an easy goal, however, with approval required from footballing bodies across the world, including FIFA, Football Australia and the Asian Football Confederation  – and Serie A currently awaiting UEFA’s judgement.

Simonelli also confirmed a change to the official name of Serie A: “The assembly was positive, almost all resolutions were approved unanimously. Among the statutory changes we approved is a name change: no longer ‘Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A’, but ‘Lega Calcio Serie A’. We’re putting football back at the centre.”