Inter Milan star striker Christian ‘Bobo’ Vieri, Juventus icon and three-time league title winner Edgar Davids, AC Milan favourite defender Christian Panucci, and Palermo World Cup winner Simone Barone touched down in WA ahead of Calcio Italiano, a major Italian football event showcasing blockbuster matches from some of Italy’s most iconic clubs.
Feature by: Western Australia
Set to be a landmark sporting moment, the event will bring the giants of Italian football together for three massive games, including two derbies in which some of the biggest rivalries in football history will compete. Off the pitch, Optus Stadium will turn into a vibrant Italian Festival, celebrating Italy’s culture, food and music. The week-long festivities promise something for football fanatics, lovers of Italian culture, and anyone keen to be part of football history, right here in Western Australia.
Their visit offered a preview of the experiences awaiting travelling fans in Perth and surrounds, including encounters with wildlife, exploring local Indigenous culture, and enjoying world class hospitality.
A warm welcome the WA way at Cottesloe Beach Hotel and Cottesloe Civic Centre followed by lunch at Tigerfish
The legends’ Perth experience began by the ocean at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel, where they were officially welcomed to Western Australia by Deputy Premier, Rita Saffioti. Despite an uncharacteristically wet Perth morning, the setting still delivered sweeping views over the Indian Ocean and a taste of Cottesloe’s laidback charm.
Italian football legends in Perth
They then moved to Cottesloe Civic Centre for a friendly kickabout with children from local clubs where they delighted by signing jerseys and joining in the fun, before returning to the beach for lunch at celebrated restaurant and bar, Tigerfish. Showcasing local produce, fresh seafood and relaxed dining, it was a fitting start to the legends’ visit before they set off on their separate afternoon itineraries.
A taste of the Swan Valley with Christian Panucci
AC Milan favourite Christian Panucci headed east to the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region, located just 20 minutes from the Perth CBD. At Sandalford Wines, one of the State’s most established and celebrated wineries, Panucci was treated to a private vineyard tour and tasting, experiencing the region’s beautiful surrounds and the premium local produce that continues to shape WA’s food and wine reputation.
Panucci continued on to Caversham Wildlife Park for a close-up encounter with some of Australia’s most recognisable wildlife. From feeding kangaroos to meeting koalas, the visit showcased another memorable side of Perth for international visitors, all within easy reach of the city.
Christian Panucci at Caversham Wildlife Park
Exploring Fremantle with Barone, from harbour to aperitivo
Palermo World Cup winner Simone Barone spent the afternoon in Fremantle/Walyalup, where the city’s Italian heritage, working harbour and historic streets offered a fitting connection to his visit. Barone began at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, where many Italian migrants first arrived in Western Australia and helped shape the city’s fishing industry. The group paused at the memorial, which recognises the contribution of Italian families and fishermen to Fremantle’s history.
Simone Barone at Gage Roads, Fremantle
From there, Barone strolled to Gage Roads to sample local beer by the harbour, before heading to the Cappuccino Strip and stopping at the iconic Gino’s, one of Fremantle’s oldest Italian cafés. The afternoon finished with aperitivo at Vin Populi on High Street, bringing together Freo’s heritage and hospitality.
Connecting to Country at Kings Park with Vieri and Davids
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a must‑visit when in Perth, offering sweeping views of the city skyline and the Swan River/Derbarl Yerrigan, alongside one of the world’s largest inner-city parks. Davids and Vieri experienced the park through an Indigenous cultural tour, led by Nyoongar woman and cultural educator Rickeeta Walley. The tour offered insight into native plants used for traditional medicine, food and materials. Surrounded by towering native trees and sweeping city views, the experience showcased Perth’s connection to culture, nature, and place, with Davids bringing along his film camera to capture the setting.
Italian football legends Edgar Davids and Christian Vieri at Kings Park, Perth
This August, fans are invited to follow in the legends’ footsteps and experience the very best of Perth, from coastal icons and vibrant neighbourhoods to world‑class food, wine, and cultural experiences. Calcio Italiano is set to ignite the city, bringing together elite football, Italian culture and an electric festival atmosphere in one unforgettable week.
With tickets starting from just $49, don’t miss your chance to be part of football history. Only in Perth.