Tom Brady's Ideal Italian Stadiums for NFL International Games
Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback, has played in four international NFL games throughout his illustrious 23-year career, including two in London and one in Mexico City. He also participated in the NFL's inaugural game in Germany, where he helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secure a victory in Munich in 2022. However, if given the choice, Brady has a clear preference for where he would like to see an NFL game hosted internationally: San Siro in Italy, home to AC Milan.
In a recent edition of #AskTom, Brady expressed his enthusiasm for the iconic stadium, stating, "I would say San Siro in Italy, where AC Milan plays." His visit to San Siro to watch AC Milan take on Como left a lasting impression on him, particularly due to the fervent support of the Italian fans. "The way those Italian fans cheer all game long," he remarked, indicating that he would have loved to play in front of such passionate supporters at least once during his career.
Brady didn't stop at just one suggestion; he also mentioned another Italian venue that he believes deserves a chance to host an NFL game: Lake Como, known as Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. This smaller stadium, with a capacity of 13,600, is home to Como 1907 and occasionally hosts matches for the Italian men's national team. Despite its size, Lake Como is often celebrated for its stunning lakeside views, making it one of the most picturesque stadiums in the world.
Envisioning NFL rivalries in iconic stadiums
Imagining the atmosphere at San Siro if it were to host a game, Brady envisioned a matchup between fierce rivals like the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. "That would be pretty frightening," he said, humorously likening the potential chaos to a scene from "Mad Max." He added, "It'd be like Mad Max escaped from LA. I'm not sure many of you guys would make it out of that stadium. It would be a complete zoo."
Once the Hype Clears
As the NFL continues to expand its international presence, with upcoming games in Munich and London, the prospect of bringing the league to Italy remains tantalizing. The New England Patriots are set to face the Detroit Lions at Allianz Arena in Munich, marking the eighth international game of the 2026 season. While London has hosted three games, other cities like Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and Madrid have also welcomed NFL action this year, with Mexico City slated to host the final international game of the season.
Despite the NFL's growing global footprint, Italy has yet to see a game, but Brady's enthusiasm for its stadiums could influence future decisions. While he may not play in San Siro, he certainly appreciates the cultural significance and the electric atmosphere that Italian football brings to the table. As AC Milan currently sits fifth in the Serie A table, the potential for an NFL game in Italy could further intertwine the worlds of American football and soccer, showcasing the passion of fans across both sports.
