The turf at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille has “irreversible damage,” but will only be re-laid after Italy play Ireland here.
The Azzurri conclude their group phase games on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The pitch was notably in a poor state after Sunday’s 0-0 draw between Switzerland and hosts France.
“The difficult meteorological conditions created some irreversible damage to the surface,” confirmed UEFA today.
The turf at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille has “irreversible damage,” but will only be re-laid after Italy play Ireland here.
The Azzurri conclude their group phase games on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The pitch was notably in a poor state after Sunday’s 0-0 draw between Switzerland and hosts France.
“The difficult meteorological conditions created some irreversible damage to the surface,” confirmed UEFA today.
France Coach Didier Deschamps had noted “it is disappointing to have to play on this surface.”
Groundsmen even resorted to painting some patches of earth green to make the damage seem less obvious from the stands.
A Dutch company will re-lay the turf in Lille, but only on Friday, so Italy’s game with the Republic of Ireland tomorrow will be on a disastrous playing surface.