Italian powerhouses return to Perth for pre-season clash
The Italian powerhouse have landed in WA off the back of two high-profile pre-season clashes with Arsenal and Liverpool in Asia, and will face Perth Glory on Thursday night at HBF Park.
It follows on from Milan's previous trip to Perth, which saw them face fellow Italian side AS Roma in front of more than 56,000 people at Optus Stadium last May.
The Italians have brought several star names down under, including American ace Christian Pulisic, talismanic Portugese forward Rafael Leao and internationally-capped Englishmen Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
With Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti spruiking Thursday's match against the Glory as a near sell-out, coach Massimiliano Allegri and captain Mike Maignan spoke of their excitement at finishing off their Asia-Pacific tour in style. AC Milan captain Mike Maignan speaks ahead of the game with Perth Glory this Thursday. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
Allegri, said he had appreciated the warm reception from fans in WA, who lined the Crown Towers lobby on Sunday night to greet the club upon arrival.
'I'm honored to represent AC Milan for the first time in Western Australia and in Australia generally,' Allegri said via an interpreter.
'I recognise the huge following that AC Milan has across this country, and I'm looking forward to not only the game on Thursday night, but everything that surrounds it.'
Maignan, who has established himself as the French international team's no.1 goalkeeper, said through an interpreter he was looking forward to playing the Glory.
'I'm very honoured to lead my team into Perth and Western Australia. I'm very proud of his club, and I'm looking forward to showing not only what Italian football is on the park, but the culture and everything else that's around AC Milan,' he said.
Players from the club also visited Perth Children's Hospital on Monday to greet young fans.
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