The Italian media taking a eager curiosity in occasions at St James’ Park.
On this event nothing to do with Sandro Tonali and/or AC Milan.
As a substitute, it’s Roberto Mancini and Saudi Arabia.
Lower than 4 weeks in the past Roberto Mancini was effectively into his sixth 12 months as supervisor of the Italy nationwide staff.
Then on 13 August 2023 he resigned, two weeks later he was introduced as the brand new supervisor of Saudi Arabia.
Roberto Mancini manages his first Saudi Arabia nationwide aspect match at St James’ Park tonight, the Italian media predicting an ’empty’ to ‘half-empty’ stadium.
The truth is, will probably be someplace between the 2, though positively extra in direction of the empty aspect of issues.
At 3pm on Friday, 5 hours earlier than the 8pm kick-off, nonetheless solely the East Stand open for this Saudi Arabia v Costa Rica pleasant, with most likely round 3,000-4,000 tickets bought. Regardless that solely £5 and £3 concessions.
Attention-grabbing to see that even the ‘sportswashing‘ protest has made it to the Italian media.
GIFN (Get Italian Soccer Information) report – 8 September 2023:
‘Roberto Mancini will handle his first sport as Saudi Arabia boss at St James’ Park later at this time however the venue is more likely to be empty.
This has been reported by La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, who state that costs for the sport involving Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica have beeen diminished closely to ensure that they’re beneficial for a neighborhood viewers in Newcastle. However the excessive chances are high that the stadium will stay abandoned in the course of the sport.
The costs are presently at £5 for adults and £3 for teenagers, which is sort of uncommon for a Premier League venue. However Corriere della Sera state that the stadium might be ‘half empty’, with Newcastle followers stated to be not fascinated by the thought of watching the 2 sides play.
In addition they state that there’s a risk that fan-activists of the Newcastle Followers In opposition to Sportswashing Affiliation will meet on the Alan Shearer statue outdoors St James’ Park to peacefully protest towards the Saudi possession.’
Newcastle United official announcement – 16 August 2023:
‘Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park stadium will host two worldwide pleasant fixtures that includes the Saudi Arabia males’s nationwide staff in September.
The Inexperienced Falcons will face Costa Rica at 8pm BST on Friday eighth September earlier than taking over South Korea at 5:30pm BST on Tuesday twelfth September.
A football-obsessed nation, Saudi Arabia caught the world’s consideration ultimately 12 months’s FIFA World Cup by beating eventual winners Argentina 2-1 in an enthralling group stage match at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
The 2 friendlies on Tyneside will type a part of the staff’s preparations for the AFC Asian Cup, which takes place in Qatar in January 2024.
Tickets for the respective matches are on sale at guide.nufc.co.uk, priced at simply £5 for adults and £3 for concessions (plus 50p reserving payment per ticket).’
