Italy-Argentina friendly confirmed

By Football Italia staff

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed that a friendly against Argentina in Rome has been arranged for August 14.

The fixture was originally put forward for that date back in March of this year, on the suggestion of Azzurri Coach Cesare Prandelli to pay homage to Pope Francis.

However, a previously arranged friendly between Argentina and Russia for the same date saw that the game was initially not able to be organised.

On from this, though, Argentina were released from that commitment, as the Russians saw the August international date filled by the rearrangement of a 2014 World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland.

Subsequently, Italy have confirmed that the friendly with the Albiceleste in Rome has now been set.

Hosted at the Stadio Olimpico with an 8.45pm local time kick-off, both sets of players will also be received in audience by Pope Francis.

Italy hosted Argentina at the Olimpico back in February 2001, which the South Americans won 2-1 thanks to goals from Kily Gonzalez and Hernan Crespo.

This coming meeting will be the Azzurri’s first outing to follow on from their third-place showing at the summer’s Confederations Cup.

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