AC Milan GM Adriano Galliani has confirmed that "the authorities are considering plans for several Serie A games to be played in different cities around the world," according to Ben Gladwell of ESPN. Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis had first revealed the plan, "which would see Italian domestic league games being staged in different venues globally in a bid to boost the league's diminishing popularity." Galliani said that Serie A is weighing up the benefits, adding, "We used to be leaders a few years ago, but now it's clear that Italian football, like almost our whole economy, has lost a lot of places. It's an idea. We couldn't export all of the games, but maybe one on the opening day of the season. We've already frequently held the Supercoppa abroad, from Libya to China." The Premier League had considered a "similar plan" in '08 and, "while it did not come to pass, there have been suggestions the idea could be revived." The plans for the Italian top flight "would still need the consent of all 20 Serie A clubs, half of whom would miss out on one regular home fixture," although the earnings should "more than compensate for the loss of gate receipts" (ESPN, 4/13).
