The sale of alcohol will be banned in Milan during the day of Arsenal’s match against Inter this week, according to a report.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Arsenal fans celebrate after their sides second goal, an own goal by Jayden Bogle of Sheffield United (not pictured), during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Arsenal fans celebrate after their sides second goal, an own goal by Jayden Bogle of Sheffield United (not pictured), during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

FCInter1908 report (via GIFN) that the Prefect of Milan has banned the sale of alcoholic beverages ahead of the Champions League match between Inter Milan and Arsenal on Wednesday.

The ban will be in place from 8am to 8pm on November 6th in the Centro area of Milan, the Darsena, the Navigli, Corso Como, the Sempione area, and in the San Siro alongside surrounding areas from 12pm to midnight.

Given the Arsenal match kicks off at 9pm local time, the ban will effectively prevent fans from purchasing alcohol in Milan before the game.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08: Arsenal fans cheerduring the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on October 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Arsenal fans cheerduring the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on October 08, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Of course, it won’t be possible to stop fans bringing alcohol into the city from other regions, or stocking up on the Tuesday if they arrive early. But the Milan authorities are evidently hoping to at least slow the flow of alcohol in the city on Wednesday.

You’d imagine the reason for doing so relates to the reputation of English football fans in Europe, which certainly wasn’t helped by the 2021 Euros final between England and Italy.

Milan locals were likely watching closely as everything kicked off at Wembley that day, and that could be why Arsenal fans are now paying the price.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Fans show their support during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Fans show their support during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Inter have already faced off against one English club in the Champions League this season, playing Manchester City in their League Phase opener.

But the City game was away in Manchester, so the Milan authorities didn’t get the chance to give the City supporters the same treatment.