Brazil and Italy to play at Arsenal

Brazil are to play a friendly against World Cup holders Italy at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on February 10, the Premier League club announced here Thursday.

It will be the fourth time that Brazil have used the Gunners' north London home, which seats 60,000, for a friendly match having played Argentina, Portugal and Sweden there since the stadium opened in 2006 following Arsenal's move from Highbury.

“Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is delighted and honoured to be hosting this international match between two of the world's greatest national teams,” said Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood.

“Brazil and Italy both have proud and very successful football histories and we are looking forward to welcoming the teams and many Brazilian and Italian supporters to Emirates Stadium in February.

“Some of the world's finest footballers will be on display and we are all very excited at what is sure to be a thrilling contest.”