Sports

MLS announces opponent, date for 2018 All-Star Game in Atlanta

Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at Juventus Arena on October 25, 2015 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

ATLANTA — Officials with Major League Soccer announced Thursday that Juventus will be the opponent in the 2018 MLS All-Star Game in Atlanta.

It was also announced that the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will take place on Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
"We welcome Juventus, one of the world's iconic clubs, as our opponent in the 2018 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target," Commissioner Don Garber said.

Juventus, the legendary club that has been home to champions of Italy’s Serie A for the last six seasons and UEFA Champions League finalists in 2015 and 2017, was established in 1897.

Juventus is the most decorated club in Italy and one of the most revered in global soccer. They’re led by coach Massimiliano Allegri and feature star players such as Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain, Gianluigi Buffon and Miralem Pjanic.

“Facing the MLS All-Stars will be a great opportunity to get closer to many passionate football fans in America,” Juventus President Andrea Agnelli said.

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Juventus will be the second team from Italy’s Serie A to play in the MLS All-Star Game. AS Roma played in the 2013 event in Kansas City.

“The match featuring the best of MLS against a legendary club like Juventus will be a great showcase for the city,” Atlanta United Head Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said.

Martino will lead the 2018 MLS All-Star squad.

In addition to the match with Juventus, MLS will host a week of events in Atlanta surrounding the game, including concerts, community service initiatives, player appearances and an additional showcase featuring the best young players from across the league.