Shamrock Rovers have been drawn to face AC Milan in the second qualifying round of the Europa League at Tallaght Stadium but look set to miss out on any financial gain from the glamour tie.
The Dublin side advanced from the first round with an exciting penalty shoot out win over FC Ilves of Finland.
That victory has provided Shamrock Rovers with a tie with Milan which will take place on September 17th. Unfortunately, due to ongoing restrictions at sports grounds in Ireland, the match will be played behind closed doors.
🇮🇹 | We have been drawn to play AC Milan at home in the @EuropaLeague 2nd Qualifying Round. #RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/AUXEibNyhD
— Shamrock Rovers FC ☘️ (@ShamrockRovers) August 31, 2020
The last time the Hoops faced Italian competition in European football they were beaten by Juventus 2-0 in Tallaght.
At this juncture, with supporters unable to attend the game, it is unclear how the action will be streamed to television audiences, meaning Rovers may not be able to take financial advantage of the tie.
Stephen Bradley's side have returned from the enforced break and opened up a lead at the top of the table although they are being closely followed by rivals Bohemians.
A draw for Shamrock Rovers in their previous league outing against Shelbourne ensured it is all to play for at the summit ahead of Bohemians visit to Tallaght.
The pair will meet on Saturday on what could prove to be a pivotal clash that will go a long way to deciding who will lift the league championship this season.
Elsewhere, Dundalk have been drawn to face Inter Escaldes of Andorra. The current League of Ireland champions will be desperate to get their season back on track after a disappointing restart to the domestic campaign.
They only have the broadcasting rights in Ireland. Milan will have the rights in Italy and the rest of the world.
— John O’Connor (@chippie1974) August 31, 2020
Dundalk also crashed out of Champions League qualification at the hands of NK Celje of Slovenia. The 3-0 loss led to manager Vinny Perth being replaced by Italian, Filippo Giovagnoli.
If Dundalk are to salvage anything from their campaign they will need to improve on their most recent performances and push on in the Europa League.
Tottenham Hotspur will face Lokomotiv Plovdiv of Bulgaria and Rangers will play Gilbratan outfit Lincoln Red Imps.
More to follow
