Massimo Maccarone has been included in the Azzuri squad for their friendly against Slovenia in Trieste. Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni could give the 23-year-old his second cap after his appearance as substitute against England earlier this year.
George Boateng has been included in the Dutch squad for their friendly against Norway in Oslo. Boateng's last game was also against England back in February, and this would be his 3rd cap.
Finally, Szilard Nemeth has been selected for Slovakia's friendly against the Czech Republic.
All the matches take place on Wednesday 21st August, four days into the season, and just three days before Boro's first home game against Fulham.
For those playing in Europe it should not be too much of a problem but it's the last thing that Juninho needed so soon after returning to Boro. Travelling half way around the world to play in a friendly is not the ideal preparation for a long hard season in the Premier League. Hopefully Mr. Scolari will see sense in the travelling and leave him out of future friendlies.