- Western Australia will be the centre of world football over the coming two weeks
- Top Italian football clubs have begun arriving in Western Australia for Calcio Italiano
- AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, and Palermo will face off in three blockbuster matches
- Festival includes a range of community events, activations, and fan hubs
- Events play a significant role in the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy, boosting the tourism sector and supporting local jobs and businesses
The countdown is on for Western Australia's highly anticipated Italian Football Festival, with some of the biggest names and clubs in world football set to arrive in Perth over the coming week.
Following the arrival of AC Milan on Monday evening, Inter will touch down in Western Australia on Sunday, followed by Palermo next Tuesday and Juventus next Thursday.
The four giants of Italian football will go head-to-head in three world-exclusive games beginning with a Milan Derby between AC Milan and Inter on Wednesday, 5 August at Optus Stadium.
The derby action continues Saturday, 8 August when Juventus face Inter in a blockbuster match at Optus Stadium before Juventus go up against Palermo on Tuesday, 11 August at HBF Park.
Along with the upcoming matches, event activations will be in full swing next week to create a vibrant fan atmosphere for visitors and locals and help deliver additional social, cultural, and economic benefits.
From 5-9 August, Stadium Park outside Optus Stadium will be transformed into Little Italy - a vibrant, multi-day festival celebrating the best of Italian culture. The festival will include authentic food trucks, live entertainment, cultural showcases, and family-friendly activities as the precinct transforms into a bustling hub of food, music, and community.
Fan zones are being established across the city for the festival with AC Milan being hosted at Crown Resort, Juventus taking over the Ice Cream Factory in Northbridge, Inter at Brookfield Place in the city, and Palermo setting up base at Gage Roads in Fremantle.
Open training sessions will also be held for the community including AC Milan at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Tuesday, 4 August, and sessions for Juventus and Inter being held at Optus Stadium on Friday, 7 August.
The period of sporting events combines the recent Wallabies v Italy rugby match, in-season AFL matches, the Perth Super 440, an NRL showdown between Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Backroads Gravel, and Avon Descent.
Western Australia is on track to become the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region, with blockbuster events helping to drive more visitation to the State and supporting economic diversification.
For more information on tickets and all events associated with the Italian Football Festival, head to calcioperth.com .
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My government is focused on diversifying Western Australia's economy, so it remains the strongest in the nation, and central to that is our major events strategy.
"WA has become a home for major international football events, and hosting next week's Calcio Italiano blockbusters adds to Western Australia's momentum as the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region.
"Events such as Calcio Italiano bring thousands of visitors to our State, who will spent money locally in our pubs, restaurants, and hotels in a major boost for local hospitality jobs."
Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Bringing clubs of this calibre to Western Australia is incredibly exciting for our football community and a fantastic opportunity for local players, coaches, and officials to engage with the global game and enjoy world-class matches right here in Perth.
"This will give Western Australians the rare chance to experience these iconic Italian football rivalries in our own backyard, creating unforgettable moments and deepening the connection between our community and the sport.
"I also hope this tournament will help to inspire the next generation of young players and strengthen participation in the game at a local level by shining a spotlight on football and encouraging more kids to get involved in active, healthy lifestyles."
As stated by Acting Tourism Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The crown jewel of Western Australia's Winter of Unmissable Sport will soon kick off, when AC Milan, Juventus, Inter, and Palermo descending on Perth for the three huge football matches.
"Thousands of out of State visitors will travel to WA for the three friendlies and the other great events on offer, including the Collingwood v West Coast match, Sea Eagles v Storm NRL home game and this weekend's Supercars Super 440.
"Events like these Italian football matches help drive more travellers to our State, generating valuable tourism dollars that support local tourism and hospitality businesses."
