Franco Ravizzoli, the 29-year-old Argentine goalkeeper at Blackpool, has become the focus of teamroom jokes as the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England approaches.
Who said what
Ravizzoli told BBC North West Tonight that he invited some of the playful ribbing himself after arriving at training wearing an Argentina jacket. He says that, should Argentina win the semi-final, he will attend training adorned in national colours; if England are victorious, he has declared he will not come in.
"If Argentina win I am coming with a flag and a shirt but if we lose I don't think I'll turn up. I'll stay at home."
Blackpool manager Ian Evatt reportedly responded to the banter by suggesting Ravizzoli might be banned from training if Argentina beat England, adding to the light-hearted atmosphere.
Local context and reaction
The remarks underline how international tournaments can play out in club environments, particularly at clubs with multinational squads. Ravizzoli also noted the presence of Scottish and Irish players at the club, a reminder of the diverse national backgrounds represented in the squad.
- Player: Franco Ravizzoli, age 29
- Club: Blackpool FC
- Situation: World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England
What this means for fans and the club
For supporters who follow both club and country, scenes like this create extra interest ahead of major international matches. The comments are clearly jocular and reflect typical dressing-room banter rather than any formal disciplinary issue. Nonetheless, they have drawn attention because of the high-profile nature of the fixture: England reached the semi-final after beating Norway 2-1 in their quarter-final.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Player age | 29 |
| Match referenced | Argentina v England (World Cup semi-final) |
| England's quarter-final win | England 2-1 Norway |
For club staff and supporters planning around training sessions during major international fixtures, these moments can require only small adjustments — such as flexible training times or informal allowances for players following major matches. At this stage there is no indication of any formal change to Blackpool's schedule linked to Ravizzoli's comments.
The exchange offers a glimpse of how international loyalties can play out in a League One dressing room while the World Cup captures global attention.
