The FIGC are confident an Italy-Argentina match will be played in Rome on August 14 with Pope Francis taking the first kick.
“The possibility of playing this game is taking a positive trend. There was a meeting yesterday and there’s a good chance it could be played in Rome on August 14,” explained Federation President Giancarlo Abete.
The FIGC are confident an Italy-Argentina match will be played in Rome on August 14 with Pope Francis taking the first kick.
“The possibility of playing this game is taking a positive trend. There was a meeting yesterday and there’s a good chance it could be played in Rome on August 14,” explained Federation President Giancarlo Abete.
The friendly had been suggested by Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli as a tribute to the new Pope, who is from Argentina and a huge football fan.
At first it was dropped because Argentina had already booked a friendly match on that date, but it seems as if it could be rescheduled after all.
The media in Argentina have gone so far as to claim Pope Francis will begin the match on the field with the first kick.
“How his Holiness will participate in the game is not up to us,” noted Abete.
“It is bound to be an important event due to the strength of the teams and the context of the game.”