Phoenix say no to Juventus

Reuters

NO THANKS: New Zealand football fans will not see Juventus' players such as Mauro German Camoranesi after the Wellington Phoenix spurned an opportunity to host the Italian Seria A heavyweights.

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They may have spurned the opportunity to host Italian Serie A heavyweights Juventus later this month, but hosting a world class European club side is on the Wellington Phoenix's agenda for the next 12 months.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata revealed yesterday the A-League club rejected an offer to host Juventus after the Italians play Melbourne Victory in a pre- season friendly later this month, with the decision made "solely on commercial grounds".

The Dominion Post understands Juventus demanded about $1.4 million to play at Westpac Stadium, with total costs of hosting the match likely to balloon above $2 million.

"It was apparent to us that there wasn't going to be the level of interest to sell out Westpac or get close to breaking even," Pignata said of the Juventus match.

Melbourne boasts a large Italian community and the Phoenix were worried Juventus would not have anywhere near the same pulling power in Wellington.

It is also understood Scottish giants Celtic had initially shown some interest in playing the Phoenix in Wellington this year.

- © Fairfax NZ News