Football legends for unique Malta match
Simply Red to play live on November 2
Malta's eternal rivalry between Italy and England supporters will be played out in a unique football match pencilled in for Ta' Qali on November 1.
Italian and English World Cup legends like Dino Zoff, Gianluca Vialli, Paul Gascoigne and Bryan Robson will team up with rock stars like Richard Ashcroft and Eros Ramazzotti for a showcase of nostalgia, star-studded personalities... and tired legs.
Sealing the two-day event entitled simply Legends, rock band Simply Red will be playing at the Ta' Qali tent on November 2. Full details of the events will be unveiled during a news conference this morning for which former Manchester United footballer Lee Sharpe is expected to be present. The events are being organised by a UK-based organisation which specialises in All-Stars events.
Though some names have yet to be confirmed, The Times is informed that Italian icons Dino Zoff and Gianluca Vialli are among those who have confirmed their presence.
Other names expected for the match are former Italian strikers Paolo Rossi and Toto Schillaci, top scorers at the 1982 and 1990 World Cups.
Former English class strikers like Bryan Robson and Paul Gascoigne, the former Tottenham star player who was recently in Malta on holiday, will be flying the England flag.
The two teams are expected to incorporate a number of film and music stars like Ramazzotti and the ex-frontman of The Verve Richard Ashcroft, both football lovers.
A big VIP charity dinner will be held on November 1 in aid of the Good Causes Fund. It will serve as a prelude to a concert by British band Simply Red, synonymous with hits like Stars, Stay and Something Got Me Started.
Mick Hucknall's band recently completed a six-night sell-out of London's Royal Albert Hall.