World Cup 2014: England v Italy pitch is in 'bad shape' groundsman admits

Pictures show dry, brown marks across the Arena Amazonia turf. A Fifa source said that it’s because of “excessive use of fertilizer."

12:49 12 June 2014

The head groundsman who is responsible for the turf at Manaus where England will play against Italy for Saturday’s World Cup, said that the stadium is in bad shape.

 

Pictures show dry, brown marks across the Arena Amazonia turf. Carlos Botella explained: "The maintenance has been complicated." 

 

"There are no roads. All the machinery and materials had to be brought by ship. There was no fertilizer and no seeds. 

 

"Now we have put fertilizer down. We will increase the fertilizing process with biostimulants and seeds to try to get the most out of the grass." 

 

The stadium, which was constructed last year, is due to host four World Cup games including the Group G fixture between the United States and Portugal on June 22. However, Saturday’s match is considered the most high-profile. 

 

Meanwhile, a Fifa spokesman said that the problem was because of the use of “excessive use of fertiliser. The pitch in Manaus has been undergoing treatment in preparation for the World Cup. Over the last three months, mitigation procedures have been put in place and there continues to be significant improvement.” 

 

On the other hand, England striker Wayne Rooney is not worried. He said: "It's the same for ourselves and Italy, so we'll both have to deal with that."