Juventus, Inter set to clash in Nanjing

A clash of the titans will unfold at Nanjing Olympic Sports Center on July 24 when Relevant Sports Group (RSG) presents an epic International Champions Cup match featuring two of Italy's top clubs - Juventus and Inter Milan - in the storied Derby D'Italia.

The century-old competition is renowned internationally for the extraordinary passion it evokes on the pitch and in the stands, and this year's showdown marks the first time Chinese fans will witness it on home soil.

Juventus and Inter are two of the most popular international clubs in China. Recent successes, including winning eight consecutive Serie A titles ("the scudetto") and last year's signing of global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, have helped grow Juventus' Chinese fanbase exponentially.

In 1978 Inter became the first top European club to visit China and the club has since made many subsequent tours, winning tens of thousands of new fans with every visit.

"We are extremely pleased to participate in the International Champions Cup once again this year and to return to China after our great experience in the Italian Super Cups in 2012 and 2015," said Giorgio Ricci, chief revenue officer for Juventus.

"We are also aware that this game will be an excellent driving force for Italian football in China. An international development strategy is fundamental for the growth of Juventus, and a key pillar of that strategy is to build our presence in China."

Luca Danovaro, chief marketing officer of FC Internazionale Milano expressed the same sentiment, adding: "We aim to interact with a huge number of fans and offer unique experiences that are distinctive to our Chinese supporters.

"Nanjing is a wonderful place to host such an important match, a city with a unique history and heritage, deeply connected with the club and where large numbers of fans passionately support our team in every match we play.

"We are convinced this match will be a unique event that combines the atmosphere around this huge clash with the passion and joy of our Chinese fans.

"The Inter brand is a global brand; the club has over 390 million fans, 120 million of whom live in China. We have no doubt they will make us feel right at home."

Since making its debut in 2013, the ICC has become a fixture on the global soccer calendar and has featured many of the world's top clubs and players in some of the world's most iconic venues, attracting over 4.8 million fans to date.

This year's tournament features 12 of the best clubs in the world playing 18 matches across the United States, Europe and Asia, cementing the ICC as the premier annual international club tournament.

"What began as a sketch on the back of a napkin, the International Champions Cup is now a fixture on the soccer calendar and serves as the unofficial start to the season," said RSG executive chairman Charlie Stillitano.

"Each year we always try to make a splash and there aren't any rivalries bigger than the storied Derby D'Italia. This will be a match that fans in China will never forget."

RSG is also committed to building programs that benefit underserved communities and encourage more opportunities for participation in soccer.

The ICC Legacy Project identifies charitable organizations in each match city to leave behind something that will benefit the community. Projects vary by market based on the specific community need, and all projects are focused on growing and developing soccer at the grassroots level.

"We're very pleased to be welcoming the ICC to Jiangsu," the Jiangsu Football Association said in a statement. "With a world-class stadium and a large population of soccer-loving fans, Nanjing is the perfect venue for this match."