Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has sided with Inter president Steven Zhang in agreeing that the financial losses clubs have and will make as a result of postponed fixtures and matches to be played behind closed doors is not the main concern of the current situation.
A total of nine Serie A matches have been postponed in the past two weeks as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak in Italy in a bid to try and stop the virus spreading.
Yesterday, the Italian government ordered that sporting events in the country must be played behind closed doors until at least April 3 meaning around 40 matches will be played behind closed doors between now and then, including the Derby D’Italia between Juventus and Inter, which is set to take place this weekend.
“Public health is fundamental , our position was clear from the start,” Agnelli remarked to the gathered reports on the sidelines of the ‘Financial Times Business of Football Summit’ earlier on today in London, England, as quoted by Calcio e Finanza.
“The economic effects of the actions must be put on the back burner. I know that Steven Zhang has a position similar to mine.
“I have great respect for Steve, we discussed the epidemic a couple of weeks ago when he came to my house for dinner. We discussed the seriousness of the situation.
“Clubs don’t have to decide what should be done or not, the authorities have made it clear, and it is our responsibility now to follow what they have told us.”