Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina has revealed that a new schedule to conclude the remainder of the Italian football season is in the works.
Serie A and all other Italian leagues like many others across Europe are currently on hold due to the ongoing global Coronavirus pandemic and the postponement of leagues has left those at the top facing a logistical nightmare.
European football’s governing body moved the European championship’s from this Summer to next to allow leagues to carry on until the end of June but there is still uncertainty as to whether it will even be possible to finish the seasons by then given the current and ever changing situation.
“We have started putting together a schedule that could start on May 3 and end on June 30,” he remarked in an interview with Italian broadcaster TeleLombardia late on Wednesday night.
“It’s probable this could also mean using up a few days in July, so we have already asked the authorities in our country, along with UEFA and FIFA.
“We’ll take into account obviously the European club competitions and the international window that has been requested by UEFA for the first week of June to conclude the Euro qualifiers.”
Gravina then went on to explain that at no point has he considered cancelling Serie A altogether and this is partly due to the great loss that would be made financially.
“I never even considered ending the season here, because that would take away hope from the fans and send a negative message. I pay close attention to the sporting, economic and social dynamics, accompanied by a sense of optimism. Sport and football in particular represent a glimmer of hope that we can get back to normal.
“We must be convinced that we can resume on May 3. If we can’t do it then, it’ll be further along the line, but we have to finish the tournaments. After all, there is also a financial consideration of €700m deficit if Serie A does not conclude.
“The ideal deadline is June 30 for a whole series of reasons, but otherwise we could take extraordinary measures and even reach July 30.”
He concluded by discussing what will happen with the remainder of the Coppa Italia.
“We are including the Coppa Italia in our new schedule, because the winner would be eligible for a place in the Europa League, something that right now both AC Milan and Napoli would benefit from.
“I hope it can be played, otherwise we’ll find some way of ensuring the value of the sporting competition. This is true also for Serie A. If football gets back on its feet, it means the country has defeated this damned virus.”
