Maradona and Totti to play in pope's benefit match in Rome.

Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and Francesco Totti are among the soccer legends who have accepted Pope Francis' invitation to play in a benefit soccer match at Rome's Stadio Olimpico on 12 October.

Funds raised from the United For Peace match will be donated to the Vatican's various international projects promoting social integration and peace and to the rebuilding of sporting and educational facilities in the earthquake-hit town of Amatrice.

Other star players participating include Roberto Carlos, Fabio Capello, Hernan Crespo, Antonio Di Natale, Rodrigo Taddei, and Gianluca Zambrotta.

Pope Francis is not expected to attend the match but will bless the event and meet the players during an inauguration ceremony at the Vatican before the game.

Tickets, available online via Listicket and Ticketone, cost €10 for the Tribuna Tevere and Curve stands, and €20 for the Tribuna Monte Mario. There is a reduced €5 ticket price for the Tribuna Tevere for groups of ten.

The game kicks off at 21.15 and will be transmitted live by state broadcaster Rai 1.