Planning a European football break this summer? With Real Madrid winning the Champions League, football fans are now turning their attention to Munich and the European Championship. The writer reflects on their first tournament experience in Italia 90, where they fell in love with the game and the culture surrounding it. This sparked a passion for combining travel with football, leading to visits to iconic stadiums and beautiful locations across Europe. Their recent visit to Milan and the San Siro stadium, home to AC Milan and Internazionale, was a highlight, showcasing the importance of planning and coordinating trips with friends.
When planning a European football break, the writer and their friends first choose a city they’d like to visit, ideally with a good football team or iconic ground. Securing tickets can be a challenge, with membership often required for popular matches. For the Milan game, tickets were cheap and easily obtained through general sale. Flights and accommodation were booked well in advance, but there was a risk of game date changes due to TV scheduling. Despite this, the group enjoyed experiencing the match and the atmosphere in Milan, with food and drink options exceeding expectations.
In between football matches, the writer and their friends managed to squeeze in some sightseeing in Milan. They explored Parco Sempione, visited Castello Sforzesco, and enjoyed a late lunch in the city center before the game. With the match rescheduled, they had a free Saturday to visit Turin and attend another match. The group marveled at Milano Centrale Station on their train ride and enjoyed the views at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Back in Milan, they were able to revive their Friday night plans and explore the bars in Navigli, rounding off their trip with visits to cultural sites and an Aperol spritz by the canal.
During their time in Milan, the group managed to visit the Galleria shopping gallery, La Scala opera house, and the Duomo di Milan. They indulged in Risotto alla Milanese and explored the interactive Leonardo3 museum, ending their visit with an Aperol spritz. Despite missing out on seeing Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ due to booking issues, the trip was filled with culture, great food, and lots of laughter. In four nights away, they combined football, sightseeing, and relaxation, even if they only witnessed one goal in two matches. Overall, the experience highlighted the joy of combining travel with a passion for football and exploring new destinations.
