Serie A Plans Controversial AC Milan-Como Match in Australia Amid Player Criticism

The Italian Serie A has decided to play an AC Milan vs. Como league game in Australia due to the San Siro stadium being unavailable because of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This decision has sparked strong criticism from AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who called the idea "completely crazy" and expressed concerns about the long travel time, player well-being, and the impact on match schedules. Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo responded by urging Rabiot to respect the money he earns and to fulfill his professional obligations, defending the move as a necessary step to increase the league's global visibility and financial strength. De Siervo also cited other sports like the NFL, NBA, Tour de France, and Giro d’Italia playing abroad as precedents, arguing that adaptation is inevitable in modern football. UEFA reluctantly approved the match as an exception to its usual rules against domestic league games being played overseas. The debate highlights tensions between preserving traditional football norms and expanding the sport's international reach, with players concerned about health and scheduling while league officials emphasize commercial growth.