Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has explained why he was so desperate to organise a friendly against Argentina in honour of the new Pope.
The two teams will meet at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome next Wednesday, just hours after having an audience with Argentine Pope Francis in the Vatican.
“The idea behind the game was just a sudden flash,”
“It came after watching Pope Francis and his first appearances in public.
“He generated a tremendous sense of fondness and approval. The thought of ‘his’ countries, Italy and Argentina, immediately entered my head.
“Two squads leaving together, from the same hotel, to have an audience full of joy and happiness with the Pope.
“The two footballing federations worked together to get it done. And, on Tuesday, it will take place.”
He added: “His first words as Pontiff were about tenderness and compassion. The world today has forgotten what compassion is. Tenderness means being able to accept one’s limitations, one’s own weaknesses.”
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