Local soccer fans are busy circling August 4 on their calendars. They will get a chance to watch Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Robinho live, as AC Milan will face Cruzeiro at Gillette Stadium.
The high-profile friendly will precede the New England Revolution's MLS contest with Sporting Kansas City.
The doubleheader will showcase a contrast of styles. Fast, vertical North American soccer will be represented by the two MLS teams. Brazil's Cruzeiro will bring the flair and openness of the South American game. AC Milan will offer fans a glimpse of the ordered, star-studded brilliance of elite European soccer.
AC Milan-Cruzeiro will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Revs-Sporting K.C. game will start at 7:30 p.m., as previously scheduled. Fans who want to make it an all-day (and night) affair can start their tailgates at 2:30 p.m. when the Gillette Stadium gates open. Tickets for the doubleheader start at $45 ($35 for group tickets) and will go on sale to the public on Friday at 10 a.m.
Milan will be deep in its preparations for the 2012-13 season. It will be competing in Italy's Serie A, the Italian Cup and the UEFA Champions League amongst other competitions.
Cruzeiro is a mainstay of the Brazilian first division. Former stars Rivaldo and Ronaldo played for the Belo Horizonte club, as did the current engine of Chelsea FC's midfield, Ramires.
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