BURNLEY have managed to tie up two friendly games for their pre-season trip to Italy later this month.

During their six-day training stint near Lake Garda from July 23-29, the Clarets will face Spanish second division champions Recreativo Huelva.

The two clubs will meet on Tuesday, July 25, with a kick-off time yet to be confirmed.

Steve Cotterill's squad then wrap up their pre-season jaunt with a match against unfamiliar Italian minnows US Alense on Friday, July 28 at 6pm.

Both games will take place at Burnley's training camp at Veronello, near Bardolino, on the east side of Lake Garda, with supporters welcome to attend.

The Clarets had originally hoped to tie up a friendly against Serie A side Chievo, but the Verona club's future in next season's European competitions remains uncertain due to the match-fixing scandal surrounding Italy's heavyweight clubs Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina.

But after weeks of negotiations, the Turf Moor club have finally completed their schedule.

"We are delighted to finally have everything sorted out," said Cotterill. "Even in the last three days we have had three different sets of opposition because we want what we want, which is games on Tuesday and Friday.

"We have wanted to nail pre-season down as soon as possible, but unfortunately through all the disruptions in Italy and probably another delay after winning the World Cup we have been held up.

"But we have finally got there in the end and I am just sorry for all those supporters who like to follow us fantastically well every year.

"That is the most frustrating part about sorting out pre-season games in another country. We have been very lucky before to get things nailed down very early.

"This year it is in Italy and unfortunately it has taken a long time, but we are finally there."

Cotterill added: "We will be playing both games on our training pitch and I have spoken to the organiser who said our fans will be welcome there, which is a weight off our minds."

"I think the Spanish side will be stronger than the Italians, but we are really looking forward to both games."

Andalucian side Recreativo, the oldest club in Spain, recently landed the Segunda Liga title last season and are preparing to face the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in next season's top-flight.

Their players include Ecuador's rising star Luis Valenica, who featured against England in the World Cup and was shortlisted as one of six candidates for the Best Young Player award. Current Spanish national team coach Luis Aragones is among Recreativo's most famous former stars.

US Alense are a part-time club situated below Italy's Serie D level.