Milan and Inter traveled to Perth, Australia, for a high-profile friendly on August 5, 2026. The match opened with a minute of silence for Franco Baresi, the legendary Milan figure who died at 66 on July 31. AC Milan paid tribute with an official message titled “Franco Baresi per sempre” (“Franco Baresi forever”), while former Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi visited a mural dedicated to Baresi in Perth. The tribute set a solemn tone for a fixture that drew impressive attention from fans and media despite its friendly status.
Kickoff was scheduled for 13:00 Italian time, or 19:00 in Perth. Subscribers could watch the match live on Dazn and Sky Sport Uno, following the action from Italy and abroad. The fixture was part of both clubs’ summer tours: Inter arrived in Australia after a penalty-shootout victory over City, while Milan had recently drawn 2-2 against Celtic in their first Australian test. The Perth match brought two of Serie A’s most prominent clubs before Australian supporters as they prepared for the coming domestic season.
The lineups reflected the effects of the recent World Cup and ongoing injury concerns. Several prominent players, including captain Lautaro and Rabiot, remained on extended breaks after international duty. Christian Pulisic and Santi Gimenez were also absent, staying in Milan to recover from injuries. Both had represented the club at Baresi’s funeral, held at Milan’s Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, adding to the emotional weight of the match.
The friendly in Perth also offered a moment to remember one of Italian football’s icons. Players and staff from both sides observed a minute of silence for Baresi, reflecting the respect he commands. He spent his entire professional career at Milan, captained the club and won six Serie A titles and three European Cups, later known as the UEFA Champions League. He was also part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning team. Australian fans had a rare chance to see two of Serie A’s most storied clubs on their home soil, as the teams prepared for the upcoming season.
International football tours have become increasingly common as clubs seek to expand their global reach and connect with new audiences. The Milan-Inter fixture in Australia fits a wider trend of high-profile matches staged outside Europe, much like weather disruptions at major tennis events, including rain delays at the ATP 500 final in Washington. Such events highlight the logistical and emotional challenges teams face when competing far from home, especially when honoring figures like Baresi.
Franco Baresi is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest defenders. His influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping Milan’s identity and inspiring generations of players. Honoring him during an international tour showed the global reach of his legacy and the enduring connection between Italian football and its supporters worldwide.
