Sydney FC and Del Piero switch to larger stadium

Sydney: Sydney FC and their marquee recruit Alessandro Del Piero have moved their second home match of the A-League season from the 45,000-seat Sydney Football Stadium to the 83,500-capacity former Olympic stadium.

Team officials said Thursday that turf replacement at the downtown stadium forced the switch to the larger Homebush venue in western Sydney.

With an expected large crowd at their regular stadium against Newcastle in Sydney FC’s home opener on October 13, the extra seats for the match against the Perth Glory on October 28 will give more fans an opportunity to see the former Juventus and World Cup-winning Italy forward.

The 37-year-old Del Piero signed a two-year contract on September 5 worth a reported $4 million (Dh14.69 million). Sydney opens its season on October 6 in Wellington, New Zealand, against the Phoenix.