Allgedo Online

PERUGIA, Italy -- A black player is to play for Italy's national soccer team for the first time Wednesday in an exhibition game against South Africa.

Fabio Liverani, a midfielder, was born in Rome, the son of a Somali mother and Italian father.

"It will be a special game for me because South Africa has had to battle so much against racism," Liverani said. "During my career, I've battled against those same prejudices."

Racism in Italian soccer has become increasingly evident in recent years. Fans at several stadiums boo every time a black on the opposing team touches the ball.

Last week, defending champion Lazio was fined for fan misconduct during its home game against Parma. Parma fields such black stars as France's Lilian Thuram and Cameroon's Patrick Mboma.

"When people whistle at me for the color of my skin, it gives me an extra charge," Liverani said.

Liverani was playing for a third-division team last year. He has moved up to Perugia and enjoyed rave reviews. Perugia plays at Renato Curi stadium, the site of Wednesday's game.

"I had to reward him after such an outstanding season," Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni said.

I am for a multiracial society," the coach added