UNDER-21 boss Mark Molesley says this afternoon's "illustrious" friendly with Sampdoria's youngsters (1pm, Canford Arena) is indicative of the stellar reputation Cherries are developing within European football.

The Italian club, Serie A winners in 1991, contacted first team technical director Richard Hughes – who was raised in Milan and played for Atalanta's youth team – to request the match.

Molesley, who is expecting to include "a couple" of younger first team stars in his team, was delighted to agree to a clash he believes will act as a valuable learning experience for him and his players.

He told the Daily Echo: "It is an illustrious fixture and now we're in the Premier League it is great we can attract clubs of that stature to come and play us.

"It'll be another great experience. We had the Hampshire Senior Cup semi-final against a tough non-league side in Hartley Wintney last week, so to face such different scenarios is great for our boys.

"It isn't often you get an Italian giant coming over so I'm sure they are very much looking forward to it.

"Italians are well known for their tactical nous and it will be good to pit our wits against a team that does things slightly differently.

"It will be another step on the learning curve for me and for the players."