Italian football federation president, Gabriele Gravina has confirmed that an official request has been submitted to the Italian government to allow for Inter’s upcoming Europa League round of 32 second leg with Ludogorets to be played behind closed doors.
Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus in Italy, several sporting events have been affected and are expected to be affected in the near future too as every measure possible is being taken to limit the potential spread of the virus of which there are in excess of 200 confirmed cases in the country.
Inter’s Serie A match against Sampdoria was one of four that were postponed this past weekend and there was talk that Thursday’s Europa League match could be postponed too but it would appear as if it will go ahead behind closed doors if the government approve it.
“I have sent an official request to minister Roberto Speranza regarding Inter versus Ludogorets and we are awaiting a response,” he remarked in an interview with gathered media at an event earlier on today.
He then spoke on this coming weekend’s Derby D’Italia between Juventus and Inter and the possibility of the game being played behind closed doors.
“Agnelli’s comments about playing in a stadium with fans? I would be the happiest man in the world but at the moment we must abide by what the authorities have said thus meaning there is no alternative besides playing behind closed doors.”
He also spoke on when Inter’s postponed match against Sampdoria could be played: “It is not up to me, it comes down to the Lega Serie A, they will be the ones to decide the best time for it to be played.”
