During its stay in Italy, the Impact will play a total of three exhibition games. Montreal will first face Arezzo (Serie C1 – third division), January 24, then Frosinone (Serie B – second division), January 29, before concluding its trip with a match against Viterbese (Serie C2 – fourth division), January 31.
“It will be a good experience and a great opportunity to measure ourselves against Italian teams,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis, who will bring a squad of 24 players to Italy. “We started our training camp last week, whereas the teams we will be playing against are in mid-season. This is why we brought 24 players, so they will share playing time.”
“It will also be an excellent preparation for the upcoming season, since we will be facing teams that are well-prepared both tactically and technically,” added De Santis. “We will also get to see our young players, some invited players, as well as Italian players in action, while at the same time testing different strategies and positions.”
The Impact is leaving Montreal at 6 pm, Saturday, and will be back February 1st. The team will continue its training camp in Montreal before heading for Portugal, from February 17 to 28.
The Montreal Impact will kick off its 15th season in club history April 12 in Vancouver and will play its first game at Saputo Stadium, May 19, against their Canadian rivals.
IMPACT ROSTER IN ITALY
NAME - POSITION
AABOUBOU Hicham - D
AGUILAR Luis - D
ARANGO Andres - D
BABINEAU Olivier - M
BIELLO Mauro - M
BRAZ Adam - D
BROWN Roberto - F
DEGEER Daniel - M
DI IOIA Massimo - F
DI LORENZO Leonardo - M
GATTI Simon - M
GJERTSEN Joey - F
JOQUEVIEL Cédric - D
JORDAN Matt - G
LEDUC Patrick - M
MATONDO Sita-Taty - F
NUNEZ Christian - M
OKA Arsene - M
OLIVIERI Andrew - G
PALLESCHI Matthew - M
PIZZOLITTO Nevio - D
SURPRENANT Alex - D
TESTO David - M
WEBER Andrew - G
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668, Ext. 27
