FOOTBALL ITALIANO SHEFFIELD STYLE
Italian giants Inter Milan are coming to Sheffield to mark the 150th anniversary of the first football club in the world.
The Serie A club – twice Champions League winners – will play a friendly with Unibond First Division side Sheffield FC in a prestigious game to mark the club’s football milestone.
Inter, who will be celebrating their centenary in March 2008, are set to bring a squad of 26 players from various countries. Coach and former Italian international Roberto Mancini and President Dr Massimo Moratti will also be attending the game.
Inter have picked-up 15 Scudetto titles, two Intercontinental Cups, the Cuppa Italia five times, the Italian Super Cup three times and the UEFA Cup on three occasions.
The unique celebration match will be staged at Bramall Lane on November 8, kick-off 7:45pm, tickets priced at £5 (adults) and £2 (concessions).
It is the second major announcement by Sheffield FC in a week after the world’s first football club revealed FIFA President Sepp Blatter is attending their anniversary dinner on October 24.
Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims said: “For a club from the Unibond League to be playing Inter Milan is a dream come true for everyone involved with Sheffield FC. It is a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary.
“This will be a great occasion for all football fans and we hope the Sheffield public will turn out in their thousands to watch one of the greatest European clubs of all time.
“Inter have told us that they are 'honoured' to have been asked to play the match.”
Sheffield FC’s partnership with Sheffield United will also see a local derby against Bryan Robson’s first team squad at the Bright Finance Stadium, Dronfield, on October 10, 7.45pm.
United are set to take a strong squad to the game, which forms part of the club’s anniversary celebrations. Tickets are available at £8 (adults) and £4 (concessions).
Robson said: “It’s an honour to be playing Sheffield FC. Without them, we (Sheffield United) might not be here today. They have had a terrific start to the season and we won’t be underestimating them.”
Tickets for both games will be available to buy from Bramall Lane and for more information contact the Blades ticket office on 0870 787 1799 or visit www.sufc.co.uk and www.sheffieldfc.com.
Supporters will also be able to gain entry on the day of the games.
● Sheffield FC have created a third fixture for the anniversary with Club taking on a Football Association national non-league XI on October 23 at the Bright Finance stadium.
ENDS
Picture caption: Inter Milan coach and former Italian international Roberto Mancini