The road with ‘Vultures’ has been rough for Kanye West. Getting the cold shoulder from streaming platforms and fellow artists made his industry comeback quite shaky. Yet, there is a sense of optimism in the air, not just among the artists, Ye and Ty Dolla $ign, but also among the fans. With the world tour getting closer and two massive listening parties lined up in Italy, the hype for ‘Vultures’ is only getting bigger. But before the rapper hits Italy for the listening party, he could detour to catch Europe’s biggest football championship.

Ye could show up at the Champions League game in Milan, potentially backing the team, whose ultras were credited in his album.

Kanye West would not miss the Champions League for the world

Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign announced their Italy plans on February 16. As per the announcement, both ‘Vultures’ icons will be dropping their joint album at two listening parties, first in Milan and then in Bologna. However, before the Milan party, slated for February 22nd, Ye will be attending the Inter-Atletico Madrid Champions League match on 20th February, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport. And after the release of ‘Stars’ and ‘Carnival’, it is most likely that he will be siding with Inter Milan.

Kanye West brought in a bunch of Inter Milan ultras to provide backing vocals for these two tracks on ‘Vultures 1’, recorded by fans of the Serie A club. As reported by CalcioMercato, the fan group Curva Nord Milano got credits on the songs after producers Federico Secondome and ZLYAH coordinated with the group to add chants and backing vocals. Although the Champions League would be more lively with Kanye West around, given his history with Italy, fans are still a bit on edge about the listening party.

This is not the first time West has planned a massive show in Italy. But the last time he tried, they tore down the stage before the concert even kicked off.

Kanye West’s troubled history with Italy

Around October 2023, there were talks of Kanye West hitting the stage at Reggio Emilia’s RCF Arena, supposedly arranged by Italian promoter Vivo Concerti. But the plans went south when Ye could not lock down permission to set up the stage by the mid-October deadline. It also stirred up some controversy with local feminist and anti-fascist groups over his past antisemitic remarks. But Italy holds more than just this incident in Ye’s book.

He teamed up with an Italian creative crew for the music video of his latest single ‘Talking / Once Again’, which also featured a verse from his 10-year-old daughter. Heading the team is director of photography Matteo Cocco, alongside Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo. And the D’Innocenzo brothers have been vocal about their admiration for Ye’s music. With that in mind, and Ye’s recent moves to smooth over his controversial statements, these two listening parties might just sail by without kicking up any drama.

What do you think about Kanye West attending the Champions League match before the ‘Vultures’ listening party in Milan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!