What a player he was http://tyneandwear.sky.com/sportsne...lay-for-ac-milan-in-steve-harpers-testimonial Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio is set to take part in a game against a Newcastle United select XI side at St James' Park. Di Canio will play in veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper's testimonial on September 11 to make Harper's 20-years with Newcastle United, as part of the AC Milan Glorie side. Harper retweeted the announcement from @Azzurri_Ltd from his official twitter account which said: "Azzurri would like to announce Paolo di Canio will play in Milan Glorie team in Steve harpers charity match 11 September @NU_Foundation" Asked whether Di Canio was to take part in the game, Harper said: "So I believe, yes." It could be a controversial move for Di Canio who, in April 2013, became the first Sunderland boss to lead his side to victory at St James; Park for over 10 years. Di Canio played for AC Milan between 1994 and 1996 and made 37 appearances for the side in Serie A. Di Canio goes into the AC Milan Glorie squad, captained by Franco Baresi, for the match which will also see numerous former Newcastle United stars return to action. Steve Harper's Newcastle XI: Goalkeepers: Steve Harper, Pavel Srnicek, Shay Given Defenders: John Beresford, Olivier Bernard, Nikos Dabizas, Brian Kilcline, Darren Peacock, Alessandro Pistone, Steve Watson Midfielders: Joey Barton, Lee Bowyer, Nicky Butt, Lee Clark, Kieron Dyer, Ruel Fox, Keith Gillespie, David Ginola, Rob Lee, Liam O'Brien, Scott Sellars, Nolberto Solano, Steve Stone, Alan Thompson Forwards: Tino Asprilla, Peter Beardsley, Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, Paul Kitson, Alan Shearer Milan Glorie: Goalkeepers: Sebastiano Rossi, Massimo Taibi Defenders: Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, Roberto Favalli, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Mussi, Massimo Oddo, Giuseppe Pancaro, Pietro Vierchowod Midfielders: Ibrahim Ba, Zvonimir Boban, Angelo Carbone, Federico Giunti, Christian Lantignotti, Gianluigi Lentini, Mark van Bommel Forwards: Daniele Massaro, Christian Vieri, Paolo Di Canio Steve Harper said: “To have secured the players we have is a real coup for us. It’s fantastic to have big, high-profile names supporting the charities we are raising money for and we’re very grateful to have Milan Glorie and some of the biggest names in world football flying in from Italy. “The Newcastle United Foundation, Great North Children’s Hospital and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation are incredible causes in their own right and we’re very fortunate to have them on our doorstep in Newcastle. "Every penny raised from the game will go towards boosting their vital contributions to the North East.” Joey Barton is one of the latest players to be confirmed for the game, and he says he is "honoured" to be taking part. Joey Barton said: “When I was asked to go back up and be part of this game, I was honoured. It’ll be a great night against an AC Milan legends side which includes some of my heroes when I was growing up. “It’s supporting a great guy and doing well for local charities. It should be a great occasion and I hope the fans turn up in great numbers.” Tickets for the Steve Harper 20 Years Charity Match are on sale at nufc.co.uk and the St James’ Park Box Office, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children/concessions. How hard is it to pick 2 teams out of that little lot
Very much so. I bet the barcode following completely forget the charities and vent hatred and anger at Paolo and Barton.
I would have thought there would be light hearted jibes at your boss, Barton should get a great reception in my eyes. A tosser of a person, possibly. I remember him as a great footballer for us who was shipped out because he spoke against the "regime". I wish we had his passion here now. I know I shouldn't, but I genuinely admire him. ( before anyone points out he's a twat, I know he is)
Wow, thats a decent Milan side. I would probably go and watch that myself just to see the likes of Baresi, Maldini, Boban, Lentini and Di Canio. Would have to sit with the Milan fans of course.
