Italian giants AC Milan and AS Roma have given their Perth fans a glimpse behind the curtain ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster at Optus Stadium.
The two Serie A heavy-hitters took to HBF Park for an open training session, going through their paces before they took to the stage for their looming exhibition game.
While the inclement weather may have kept some fans away, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the fans who braved the elements.
The players were serenaded upon their arrival on the pitch, with Milan’s entrance drawing loud cheers and chants from the Rossoneri fans gathered in the stands.
While his playing days may be over, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s mere presence on the turf turned heads and drew a rapturous reception from fans, while they also showed their appreciation for another club legend in Franco Baresi.
Departing French striker Olivier Giroud was among the biggest names at training, while interim manager Daniele Bonera’s waves to the crowd drew the desired effect.
For Roma, Argentinian World Cup winner and fan favourite Paulo Dybala was their biggest name to grace the turf at HBF Park.
And despite the heavens opening up twice during their session, it did not drown out the voices of the fans.
While the training was only light with their season at its end, the players indulged in a bit of showboating to keep the fans entertained, every flick and ambitious attempt on goal cheered by the fans.
Once Roma had finished, Dybala made sure no fan went home disappointed, ignoring the downpour and spending significant time post-training signing autographs.
Milan defender Fikayo Tomori said the club had appreciated the support they had experienced throughout their trip so far.
“I was actually surprised how many Italians there were in Perth, a lot of people are coming out to speak in Italian so that was a nice surprise.
“There’s been fans at the hotel every day, waiting to get stuff signed and get pictures.
“We knew Milan had a big fan base, so to come to the other side of the world and for it to be kind of the same as home is nice.”
