Italy Soccer Match to Benefit Flood Relief in Genoa

Italy is organizing a friendly against Albania in Genoa next month to aid the port city’s recovery from devastating flooding.

The Nov. 18 match will be held at the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

Two rivers burst their banks and sent a torrent of water and mud down some of Genoa’s streets and surrounding areas amid an ongoing storm. At least one person has died.

Residents have been left without electricity, schools closed and a train derailed.

Italian football federation president Carlo Tavecchio says “football must always be sensitive when faced with disasters that hurt the entire country. We’re aware of our social role and that’s why we’re offering ourselves as a vehicle for relief.”

Proceeds for the match are expected to go to a relief fund.