Juventus’ highly-anticipated Europa League third-round qualifying second leg against Shamrock Rovers has to be played in Modena on August 5 because their Turin home is being used for a U2 concert.
The unexpected announcement was confirmed by Juventus in a statement on Friday.
The match and sports gig will together lead to a double Irish invasion, as Paddymen of both a musical and sporting persuasion converge on the Mediterranean State.
U2 booked Turin's Stadio Olimpico months before the club knew they would have such a bad season last term and have to kick off their campaign so early.
A new stadium, to be named the Stadio Delle Alp, is due for completion in August 2011 and will be the club’s new home.
The Irish side come fresh off the back of success at home against Israeli side Bnei Yehuda, when a 1-1 tie was enough to set up the daunting task of meeting Juventus, the famous Italian powerhouse.
Bookies have put the Irish club at 12/1 to beat the Italian legends. The Rovers are affectionately known by supporters as ‘the Hoops’.
The Dublin side beat Bnei Yehuda in Tel Aviv last night by 1-0. Thomas Stewart landed a goal twenty minutes from time to give the Dublin men their hard-fought victory against the Israelis.
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