ITALIAN giants Juventus and Sampdoria have been shortlisted as the two sides South China are targeting for an exhibition match at the Hong Kong Stadium in June. Originally, South China had wanted to bring European Cup champions AC Milan here but the Caroliners had a change of heart. South China mistakenly believed AC Milan had already visited the territory on their way to Shenzhen to play Brazilian side Vasco da Gama. There is also speculation that AC Milan's fees are expected to rise dramatically after their recent 2-0 win over Arsenal in the European Super Cup. South China football chairman Roger Lau said his club had booked the Hong Kong Stadium on June 3 and June 4 with an alternative date in mid-June should Juventus or Sampdoria fail to make their earlier dates because of domestic competition commitments. Juventus are already out of the Italian Cup while Sampdoria have a Cup tie either on June 4 and 11. Lau said: 'We definitely want either Juventus or Sampdoria because both these clubs have superstar players. 'Roberto Baggio is well known to Hong Kong and he plays for Juventus while Ruud Gullit plays for Sampdoria and is also a very big name.' Lau said that bringing either Juventus or Sampdoria was not an easy task and said he may have to take alternative action by inviting a top French team to the territory should his bid to sign either of the Italian clubs fail. Rival First Division club Sing Tao are also planning to arrange an exhibition match and the Tigers have booked June 18 as their date. Lau said South China were working with Sing Tao to arrange for either Juventus or Sampdoria to visit the territory, although the clubs will not play against the same team. According to reliable sources, South China prefer Juventus because Sampdoria have already appeared in the territory - in front of a full house against champions Eastern last season.
