Italy’s top football league is exploring plans to hold a competitive match in China as the two countries seek to cement economic and cultural ties during a state visit of president Xi Jinping that has set alarm bells ringing in Brussels and Washington.
Executives from Serie A and the Italian football federation are in talks with executives at China Media Group, the main state broadcaster, about the plans, with the intention to sign an agreement this weekend, according to a draft agreement seen by the Financial Times.
Italy’s football federation and league will seek to organise a game in China “in the next three years and with an adequate budget,” according to the document. Both national teams would also play exhibition games in the other country.