Italian footballers to wear black armbands against Germany

Italian footballers will wear black armbands during their Euro quarter-final against reigning world champions Germany on Saturday as a mark of solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, after Friday's terrorist attack.

At least 20 foreigners, including some Italian citizens in Dhaka were killed by Islamic State militants at a Bangladesh cafe.

"The build-up to Italy's Euro 2016 quarter-final against Germany at the Stade de Bordeaux this evening has been overshadowed by the tragic deaths of the victims of yesterday's terrorist attack in Bangladesh which also included some Italian citizens," said a release on the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio website.

"The Italian federation, the Italy national team and everyone involved with the Italy football set-up would like to extend their condolences to the victims' families and to the entire country."

"In view of this, UEFA has accepted the FIGC's request for the Azzurri players to wear black armbands during the match against Germany as a sign of solidarity at this difficult time," the statement added.

--IANS

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