Full Breakdown
AC Milan vs. Inter Milan Pre-Season Derby in Perth
8/5/2026, 5:57:02 PM
Core Event
On August 5, 2026, AC Milan and Inter Milan will meet at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia for a pre-season friendly at 19:00 local time (13:00 CEST). It is the first “Derby della Madonnina” played on Australian soil.
Background & Context
Both clubs are gearing up for the 2026-27 Serie A season. AC Milan, under new manager Ruben Amorim, missed the Champions League last season but finished with a 24-match unbeaten league run, the longest in Serie A history. Inter Milan, coached by Cristian Chivu, enter as defending Serie A champions, having secured their 21st league title and the Coppa Italia, with forward Lautaro Martínez scoring 17 league goals. Several World Cup participants will be absent, giving coaches a chance to test squad depth and new signings.
Timeline
- July 26 – Inter vs. Karlsruher SC (friendly)
- August 1 – Inter vs. Manchester City in Hong Kong (1-1, 3-1 on penalties)
- August 5 – AC Milan vs. Inter Milan in Perth (derby friendly)
- August 8 – Inter vs. Juventus (Australian friendly)
- August 16 – Inter’s next pre-season fixture (scheduled)
- August 26 – Inter’s final pre-season match (scheduled)
Data & Statistics
- AC Milan’s 24-match unbeaten league streak was a Serie A record.
- Inter’s title season featured Martínez’s 17 league goals.
- In Hong Kong, Inter drew 1-1 with Manchester City and won the shoot-out 3-1.
- AC Milan have not lost to Inter in their last seven meetings, winning both league derbies 1-0 last season—their first Serie A double over the rival since 2011.
Official Statements & Responses
Federico Dimarco (Inter defender) said the friendly still carries the emotional weight of a competitive derby and noted its timing—less than 20 days before the league start—as crucial for fitness. He also paid tribute to AC Milan legend Franco Baresi.
Cristian Chivu (Inter head coach) emphasized physical conditioning over the result, stressing the need to manage jet-lag and give minutes to squad members while avoiding injuries. He mentioned uncertainty around the return of World Cup players for the season opener and hinted that staging Serie A matches abroad could be viable if organized as an opening-day event.
Why It Matters
The Perth derby highlights the international reach of Italian football and provides a live showcase for Australian fans. For both teams, the match is a fitness test and an opportunity to fine-tune tactics under new management (Milan) and to solidify squad cohesion ahead of a demanding domestic and European calendar.
What’s Next
After the Perth derby, Inter will face Juventus on August 8 in another Australian friendly. AC Milan’s pre-season program includes matches against Celtic in Glasgow on August 26 and Chelsea in Indonesia on August 8, rounding out their preparation for the Serie A campaign.
