Terrorist To Force Italy To Call Off Brazil Friendly

The Italian secretary for foreign affairs has called for the international friendly match between Italy and Brazil, scheduled to take place in London on February 10, to be cancelled because Brazil do not want to extradite a convicted Italian terrorist.

Cesare Battisti is wanted by the Italian government for Terrorism and he has been convicted to four life sentences. However, he is currently seeking political asylum in Brazil. On Monday, the Judge in charge of the case decided that Battisti cannot be exradited back to Italy because he has a politcial refugee status.

The Italian Government are now furious with Brazil and they have threatened to boycott the game against the Selecao.

Italian secretary for foreign affairs Alfredo Mantica has called for the match to be cancelled and he will be taking his request to the Italian FA.

"At this point, I think we have to seriously consider cancelling the friendly game between Italy and Brazil in London," Mantica told La Repubblica.

"By going ahead, given the circumstances between Italy and Brazil, we would risk transforming a sports event into a political scandal

"Brazil keep putting the Italian democracy and judicial system into question. This is a grave situation.

"Battisti is a terrorist and he doesn't deserve to be recognised as a political refugee."

"We cannot accept lessons from the Brazilian Government."

Cancelling the game could have huge implications for all involved. Tickets to the match at the Emirates have almost sold out and, Carlos Dunga has already announced his squad of players for the game.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com