Croatian football fans in Australia could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, reports Croatian sports portal, Germanijak.hr.
In what could be one of the most memorable moments for Croatian football fans in Australia, three prominent Croatian players – Luka Modrić, Martin Baturina, and Ivan Smolčić – may be running out onto the pitch in Perth for an official Serie A match, early next year.
According to Germanijak.hr, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has approved an initiative for next season’s Serie A league clash between AC Milan and Como on February 6 to be played in Western Australia.
This would mark the first time a top-tier European domestic match would take place outside of Europe.
‘Vatreni’ engine room on Australian soil!?
For the Croatian diaspora in Australia, the occasion would go far beyond football and would ultimately provide a unique opportunity to witness the engine room of the Croatian national football team on local soil.
At the centre of the excitement is Luka Modrić, the inspirational captain of Croatia’s national team, who is expected to sign for Milan any day now that his commitments at the World Club Cup with La Liga giants Real Madrid have ended.
As he approaches his 40th birthday, Modrić remains one of world football’s most respected figures – a global icon who has carried the red-and-white checkers with honour for over two decades.
Joining him on the pitch could be Martin Baturina, Croatia’s rising midfield maestro, who joined Como this summer from Dinamo Zagreb in a reported €17million deal.
Many view Baturina as Modrić’s heir apparent – a technically gifted playmaker with an incredibly bright future.
Former NK Rijeka captain Ivan Smolčić, already a steady presence in Como’s defence, would complete a proud Croatian trio Down Under.
The match is expected to be relocated due to San Siro Stadium’s unavailability during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February of next year.
‘Complex approval process’ still requires formal approval
However, the FIGC warned that the ‘complex approval process’ still requires formal approval from Football Australia, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and FIFA before this historic match can be played in Australia.
If all approvals are granted, the match will be more than just a Serie A league game – for the many thousands of Australian Croatian football fans.
It will effectively become a celebration of Croatian footballing excellence on the world stage, as well as a source of pride for generations of Croatians in Australia who have supported the “Vatreni” from afar.
Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, or Brisbane, this is the kind of event that brings the Croatian community together. For one weekend in February next year, Perth may well become the focus of the Croatian community in Australia.
