Juventus are coming to Hong Kong - but opponents South China are worried top stars may miss trip
Club's 12 players at Euro 2016 - including six in Italy squad - could miss July 30 friendly depending on how far their countries go
South China will take on Serie A champions Juventus in an exhibition match at Hong Kong Stadium next month, but the club admits they're worried some of the Italian giant's biggest names may miss the trip.
With the Euro 2016 final scheduled for July 10, a number of Juventus’ international stars, headed by France midfielder Paul Pogba and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, will not be available for the Hong Kong match on July 30 should their country make it to the title decider at Stade de France in Saint Denis.
Juve have six players in the Italy squad, and with 12 players at the tournament in total are the club with the joint highest number in France.
“This is a dilemma,” said South China convenor Wallace Cheung Kwong-yung.
“On one hand, a good performance for Italy will certainly boost the attendance of the game in Hong Kong, but the rules state clearly the players get three weeks off after the tournament. If Italy reach the final, their international players will not be able to come.
“We will closely monitor the situation with the match promoters and even if Buffon is not available for the match, we still want to invite him to come to Hong Kong and meet with the fans.”
