FIGC president Gabriele Gravina discussed the Coronavirus emergency and its effect on Italian football in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Corriere della Sera.
First, he discussed when the league will restart.
“Depends on the virus. Our plan is clear, respect the value of sporting competition. The goal is to finish the leagues, and to get to the rankings. We understand that starting again in May will be difficult, but we can go as far as July. We are trying to adapt the situation to our reality.”
The FIGC president then highlighted how they also have to consider the calendar of next season as well, considering UEFA’s postponed Euro 2020.
“We don’t want to invade the coming season’s calendar because of the European Championship. We have a deadline, finish by the end of May 2021.”
Finally, Gravina discussed whether the crisis would force a change in format to Serie A.
“The 22-team Serie A in a year when you have to finish early does not seem to me to be a viable way forward.”
Serie A, like most other leagues around Europe, has been temporarily suspended due to the Coronavirus emergency. Italy has been hit the hardest in Europe and has been in a total lockdown for a few weeks. UEFA were forced to postpone this summer’s European Championship, so domestic leagues could finish with regularity, as well as the safety of people regarding the contagion.
It is expected that Serie A will finish this current season, although the games are likely to be played behind closed doors.
