Former Inter forward Sandro Mazzola discussed the health emergency created by the Coronavirus, the risk of contagion on the pitch and his desire for the league to invest in medical research in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Giornale.
“I played for 20 years between Inter and the Italian national team. Football is a contact sport and because of the nature of this sport it is impossible to keep the distance on the pitch imposed by the Ministry of Health.”
The 77-year-old Italian discussed the difficulties of keeping your distance on the pitch.
“How do you stand in the box and mark your opponents on set pieces? There is a risk of contagion, that’s a given. If I were a player, I’d be a bit worried about it, even if you forget everything off the pitch and concentrate on the game you’re playing.”
Mazzola then launched a proposal to Lega Serie A, arguing that there is a need for the league to invest in medical research.
“At such a complicated time for our country it’s right that the players also take the initiative, doing their part and giving a strong signal to the fans and outside. Too often these guys are labeled as superficial, mercenary, mere professionals, now they can prove the contrary by serving their clubs and the community.”
Finally, Mazzola highlighted how little the players would need to give for it to make a difference.
“In Serie A they earn millions and, just for a month, players could cut 5% of their salary to spend with their clubs that will have to face heavy losses and research against the coronavirus.”
The Coronavirus emergency has seen many criticise the actions of the League, who first communicated that some games will be played behind closed doors, before later postponing them. The postponed games will be played this weekend, forcing some teams like Lazio to wait to play until next weekend.
