Thursday 13 November 2014 19:13, UK
Heavy rain in the flood-hit city of Genoa has forced the rescheduling of Italy’s international Test against Argentina.
The game was initially fixed for Saturday but it will now be played on Friday at 4.15pm GMT at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
"The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announces that the Test match between Italy and Argentina, originally scheduled for Saturday at the Luigi Ferraris stadium, has been brought forward to Friday at 5.15pm (local time)," a statement from the FIR said.
Earlier, the Saturday fixture was cancelled over fears that predicted heavy rain in Genoa on Saturday would lead to further chaos. So far this month, five people have been killed in flood-related incidents.
The decision was made because of the very strong possibility of heavy rain on Saturday. Security officials felt that holding the match then posed just too much of a risk.
FIR officials said the decision was taken following hours of meetings with officials from the city, including those tasked with guaranteeing public safety.
"The decision was made because of the very strong possibility of heavy rain on Saturday. Security officials felt that holding the match then posed just too much of a risk."
The death toll from the latest wave of storms to batter northern Italy rose to five on Thursday as floods and landslides continued to wreak havoc across the region.
Genoa suffered particularly badly during heavy floods last month when millions of euros' worth of damages were caused and people were forced from their homes.
The floods also badly affected the pitch at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, which is shared by Serie A sides Genoa and Sampdoria.
The statement added that the choice of hour for Friday's game was "necessary to safeguard the proper arrival and departure of the public".
"All tickets that have been sold will still be valid for the game."
Italy began their November Test series with a morale-boosting 24-13 win over Samoa in Ascoli last week, while Argentina were defeated by Scotland at Murrayfield.
Watch Italy v Argentina live on Sky Sports 1 (red button) from 4.15pm on Friday
