The 2008 Emirates Cup kicks of on 2nd August this year in preparation for the 2008/2009 season.

The tournament will mark Ranieri’s return to London as Juventus take on hosts Arsenal along with Hamburg and Real Madrid. The competition is played in a Group format with three points for a win, one for a draw and an additional point for each goal scored.

Inter Milan were amongst the entrants in the 2007 edition, but the Nerazzurri finished at the bottom of the pack after defeats against Valencia and winners Arsenal.

Emirates Cup schedule:

August 2:
Real Madrid v Hamburg – 2pm
Arsenal v Juventus – 4.15pm

August 3:
Juventus v Hamburg – 2pm
Arsenal v Real Madrid – 4.15pm

It’s a good sign for Arsenal and for English football (not to mention the capital of world football) that such illustrious sides with rich traditions will play part in a friendly tournament at the Emirates.