The Foxtel A-League All Stars have become Wollongong’s favourite team at the moment with hundreds getting out to WIN Stadium on Sunday to watch the Hyundai-A-League’s best in action.
Just a week out from their highly-anticipated clash with Italian giants Juventus, the All Stars opened up their session to the fans, before signing autographs and posing for photos.
It comes on the same day as skipper Alessandro Del Piero is set to join up with his team-mates at their team base.
The Italian legend will have his first run with the rest of the squad on Monday and is a chance to play in the friendly clash with Australia’s under-20 side at WIN Stadium on Tuesday night.
For the youngsters who turned up to Sunday’s open session, they got a real treat as they got up close and personal with the team, who have set up camp in Wollongong to prepare for the clash with the Bianconeri at ANZ Stadium on August 10.
But before all the fun coach Josep Gombau put his troops through an intense 90-minute workout as they try and forge combinations as quick as they can.
“Where only a couple of days in but already you can see our formations and play getting better,” midfielder Nick Montgomery told www.a-leagueallstars.com.au.
“Training has been really good and I think we’re building well into the match.
“I’ve played in the Premier League and against some great players but taking on a club like Juventus is still something special.”
Striker Tom Juric, who was in doubt with a thigh injury, trained away from the main group for the majority of the session as he eases his way into the week.
While he finished training early and watched on with his thigh heavily strapped, the Western Sydney Wanderers FC star is expected to be fully fit come kick-off next on Sunday night.
As well as working hard towards the clash with the Serie A giants, the players are doing their bit to get out amongst the Wollongong community.
A number of the squad made an appearance at Rebel Sport in Wollongong on Sunday afternoon, while a few others took the opportunity take in some football at the NSW NPL clash between South Coast Wolves and St George.
The FOXTEL A-League All Stars will meet Juventus at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on 10 August with the match to be broadcast live and exclusive on the Seven Network nationally.
