体坛英语新闻：Friendly between Brazil and Italy in jeopardy due to political refugee

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- The friendly match between Brazil and Italy was on Tuesday put into question by Italian politicians that are revolted by Brazil's decision to offer political asylum to Cesare Battisti.

    The game is scheduled to be held on February 10 in London. However, the tension between the two countries regarding the Battisti case has caused the Italians to question the game's occurrence.

    According to Italians sub-secretary of Foreign Relations, Aldredo Mantica, "I believe that we need to seriously consider annulling the friendly between the national teams of Italy and Brazil. With the current situation and relationship between the two countries, we run the risk of turning a sports event into a political debate."

    The head coach of the Brazilian national team, Dunga, has already made his roster for the game. On his roster, Dunga has invited 11 Brazilians who currently play in Italy.

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is being accused by the Italians of "continuously questioning the Italian judicial system and its democracy."

    According to the Italians, Battisti is "a terrorist who does not deserve the status of refugee." Brazil's ambassador to Italy, Michele Valensise, has been called in by the Italian chancellor, Franco Frattini, for talks.

    Cesare Battisti was condemned to a life sentence of prison in Italy after committing four homicides. The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF) caught wind of the incident on Monday and decided to act upon the news.

    The Brazilian attorney, Fernando de Souza, recommended to the court they request the extradition of Battisti. Upon being notified of the request, the Italians were outraged.

    In an attempt to demonstrate their discontent with the Brazilians, the Italians proposed the possibility of canceling the friendly between the two countries.