Milan derby in Beijing?
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?Inter Milan's Samuel Eto'o (C) controls the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match against Fiorentina at the San Siro Stadium in Milan May 8, 2011. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
Officials, media and fans in China have their fingers crossed that Inter Milan can win the Italian Cup final against Palermo on May 29.
An Inter triumph in the Italian Cup final would set up a spectacular Milan derby in the Italian Super Cup at Beijing's Bird's Nest on Aug 6.
The event will be the second traditional season curtain-raiser between the Serie A champion and Italian Cup winner in China; Beijing also hosted the game in 2009.
AC Milan secured its first Serie A title in seven years on May 5 and is now waiting for its bitter rival to emerge as the winner of the Italian Cup to set up a mouthwatering clash on an overseas pitch.
"We all hope that Inter wins and provides us with a spectacular Milan derby," said Wang Hui, president of the Beijing United Vansen International Sports Co, Ltd, organizer of the Super Cup in China.
"It is rare to see Italian arch-rivals meeting in a final abroad. It would be a big party for Chinese fans."
Wang said ticket sales started on Monday and the average price is less than two year ago.
"The prices range from 199 yuan to 3,999 yuan this time and prices below 1,000 yuan make up more than 50 percent of all tickets," he said.
Wang said a delegation from Italy visited the Bird's Nest on Tuesday to examine the pitch's quality.
"We have set up a special group to take charge of the pitch and to make sure it will not affect the game."
The return to the Bird's Nest is part of an agreement to stage three Super Cups in China in the near future to further boost the strong following Italian soccer has here. Chinese state TV broadcasts at least two Serie A games live every weekend.
The last time the Super Cup was staged here, Cup-holder Lazio beat champion Inter Milan 2-1.
