Argentina and Italy are set to have a one-off match in honour of the late Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy it has been reported.
The Argentinian wizard brought both countries glory. He won a World Cup with Argentina and two Serie A titles with Napoli. Argentina just won the Copa America and Italy won the Euros. A game between the European champions and South American champions should be played to see who’s the best team in the world. The most reasonable time to play would be just before the club season like when the Community Shield is played in England.
Italy & Argentina Set to Meet in Honour of Maradona
The Champions of Europe to Face the Champions of South America
Most Argentina players admired Maradona for his spectacular play and for being a national hero. Without a doubt, they will go all out to play in honour of him. So, expect Argentina’s best players to play like Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez and Emi Martinez among others. One of Messi’s role models was Maradona and he said he will never be Maradona. Shortly after Maradona’s death, Messi paid tribute to him after scoring a goal vs Osasuna with a Newells Old Boys jersey. The late Maradona is an Argentine icon and it’s because of the glory he brought to his country.
Arguably, the best World Cup performance was in the 1986 World Cup. The standout game was against England, a game where he scored two goals. The infamous “Hand of God” goal was controversial because it was a handball. However, the Goal of the Century was absolutely sensational, juking out six English players before putting the ball in the back of the net. Currently, ranked the greatest goal ever. That goal exemplified Maradona’s brilliance on the football pitch. Although he did not score in the final with a 3-2 win over West Germany he had a heavy impact. Maradona assisted on the game-winning goal in the 85th minute scored by Jorge Burruchaga. In addition, Maradona was involved in 10 of 14 Argentina’s goals.
Maradona’s Influence of Italy
Maradona was so beloved by Italians that some fans rooted for Maradona in the 1990 World Cup semifinal versus their home country. It should be noted it’s mainly because he brought Napoli their first Serie A title in club history. Winning two league titles while scoring 81 goals in 188 appearances. Moreover, Lorenzo Insigne and Giovanni Di Lorenzo are regular starters for Italy and Napoli. Insigne scored against AS Roma shortly after Maradona death and paid tribute by kissing the Napoli Maradona jersey. Matteo Politano scored a Maradona type goal running past defenders and went around the goalkeeper. A very fitting way to honour him.
Obviously, the motivation to play for Maradona isn’t for all the Italians. However, the Italian teammates know how much it means to those Napoli players on the team. Ideally, the game is a high scoring game with spectacular goals just how Maradona would have wanted. Let’s hope this game does indeed happen and it sets up future games between the champions of international football in their respective tournaments.
Main Image Credit
Embed from Getty Images