In the shadows of winter, Perth is braced for a fresh fever — but this one is of the Italian football variety, with one of the world’s biggest clubs having joined their cross-town rivals in arriving in WA.

Reigning Italian league-winners and three-time European champions Inter Milan were given a hero’s welcome upon on Sunday as they prepare to face bitter rivals AC Milan at Optus Stadium on Wednesday night.

And do not expect the fanfare to let up anytime soon, as Italy’s most successful club Juventus prepare to head down under for their double-billing in Perth which begins later this week.

As local fans wait with heavy anticipation for the kick-off of the Calcio Italiano football festival, the blue and black half of Milan made their presence felt.

On a cold Perth morning, more than 100 fans of the Nerrazurri gave their beloved squad a warm reception after they arrived at their hotel.

Midfield stars Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were among those who were bathed in adulation from the Inter fans who had mustered nearby and serenaded them with chants, as were Italians national team players Nicolo Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco and Davide Fratessi.

When the squad were ushered into the lobby, fans banged on the closed doors outside the hotel and continued to sing for their heroes.

Inter’s rivals AC Milan arrived in Perth last Monday and have already acclimatised to the city and integrated themselves within the community.

AC Milan will hold an open training session at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday night’s match against Inter, before Inter take on Juventus at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Juventus will then bring the curtain down on the festival when they take on another historic Italian side — Serie B outfit Palermo — at HBF Park the following Wednesday.