According to Italian media, Newcastle United are set to face Serie A side Hellas Verona for the annual pre-season friendly at St James’ Park on Sunday 6th August (3pm) – a week before the big Premier League kick-off at home to Spurs.
Speaking to to Italian press, Rafa Benitez has praised former NUFC assistant and current Verona manager Fabio Pecchia, confirming he is looking forward to a meeting with his recently promoted Hellas Verona side:
“We shared a very beautiful three years at Napoli, Real Madrid and Newcastle.
“This has made our bond stronger. Fabio came to see me in Liverpool and there was immediately a great feeling, I knew immediately that he had the qualities to become a great coach and I chose him to train my new staff in Naples.”
“Verona has always been a very tough game, especially for large teams.”
Once this is confirmed by the club, NUFC’s full pre-season schedule will look like this:
- Hearts (A) – 14th July – 7.45pm
- Preston North End (A) – 22nd July – 3pm
- Bradford City (A) 26th July – 7.30pm
- Mainz (A) 29th July – 4pm
- Wolfsburg (A) 2nd August – 4pm
- Hellas Verona (H) 6th August – 3pm
