Boca defender to play in Libertadores

Rio de Janeiro - Fiorentina has reportedly granted permission to newly contracted defender Facundo Roncaglia to remain at Boca Juniors until after the Copa Libertadores final.

Roncaglia’s contract with the Buenos Aires club was due to end Saturday after he signed a deal with the Italian Serie A club last month, reported Xinhua.

Boca, having failed to anticipate the club’s progression to the Copa Libertadores final, wrote to Fiorentina during the week requesting a four-day extension to Roncaglia’s contract.

“I have signed the contract extension (with Boca) and it’s been agreed upon,” Roncaglia said.

The decision means Roncaglia will be free to play for Boca in the final’s deciding leg against Brazil’s Corinthians in Sao Paulo Wednesday.

It is understood Boca has agreed to pay Fiorentina an insurance guarantee covering costs arising from possible injuries.

Roncaglia scored a 72nd-minute goal in the June 27 first leg in Buenos Aires which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Boca is aiming to be the first club to win the Copa Libertadores seven times while Corinthians is bidding for its first title.