INTER Milan is on the verge of playing a match in Australia this year.

The fixture would be a bonus for soccer fans before Manchester United meets an A-League All Stars side in Sydney in July.

The Advertiser has seen official documents indicating Inter may play a friendly in Australia on May 25 or 26, or June 1 or 2.

But the match will not be played in Adelaide because of the state's soccer stadium dilemma.

Hindmarsh's capacity is too small, Football Park is not FIFA compliant and Adelaide Oval isn't ready to host first-class soccer.

Melbourne is in the box seat, given the city has reportedly knocked back an opportunity to host Manchester United's potential second match in Australia this year.

Melbourne Heart chief executive Scott Munn said his club had been approached to host high-profile Inter.

"We have had contact with regards to Inter Milan but nothing has been set in concrete," Munn said.

The Italian giant will not confirm its Australian tour until April 18.

The side, which features Argentinian stars Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito and Esteban Cambiasso, Italian striker Antonio Cassano and Japan's Yuto Nagatomo, will be forced to cancel any plans for the Australian tour if it makes the final of the TIM Coppa Italia.

Inter faces AS Roma in the second leg of the Coppa Italia on April 17 at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan.

Roma is leading the tie 2-1 after victory in Rome. The winner will face Lazio in the final on May 28.

Originally published as Inter Milan eyes Aussie friendly