By David Gold
May 29 – Italy’s friendly match with Luxembourg this evening has been cancelled after an earthquake, which reportedly killed 10 people, struck near Parma, where the game was due to be played.
The 5.8-magnitude quake struck just 36 miles from Parma resulting in the tragedies according to broadcaster Sky.
A similar earthquake hit Italy in the same region last week leaving seven people dead and destroying a number of buildings.
The cities of Milan and Bologna were reportedly shaken by the force of the tremor, which left casualties and damaged properties in the towns of Cavezzo (pictured top), Mirandola (pictured below), Medolla and San Felice.
The Italy team hotel had to be evacuated, the incident acting as the latest blow to Italy’s build-up to the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine this summer.
Italy’s training centre has already been raided by police investigating the much-publicised Calcioscommesse sports betting scandal this week.
The probe has led to Domenico Criscito, Italy’s first choice left back, withdrawing from manager Cesare Prandelli’s 23-man squad for the tournament.
“There are situations that make you think and make you realise there are worse things in life [than playing a match],” Prandelli (pictured below) told RAI, Italy’s public service broadcaster.
The Luxembourg game was one of two friendlies Italy had scheduled before Euro 2012 gets underway next weekend.
They are set to face Russia in another warm-up match this Friday (June 1) in Zurich, Switzerland.
Following the friendly with Russia, Prandelli will prepare his team for their opening Euro 2012 group game against reigning European and world champions Spain.
They also face the Republic of Ireland and Croatia in what is expected to be a tricky group.
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