In the end, the president of Coni Giovanni Malagò took the field, summoning all the professional federations and above all the team sports federations: many had already adapted (basketball, volleyball), but football, one of the largest industries in the Country, which until the end tried to play, albeit behind closed doors. But while a Serie A match (Sassuolo-Brescia) was still starting yesterday at 18,30, the Italian head of sport had already collected the requests from leagues and federations, effectively anticipating what in a few hours would be valid for everyone and for the whole country: stop to unnecessary activities and the invitation to all citizens to stay at home as much as possible. Therefore, football also stops, but with the inevitable distinctions given that some Italian clubs are engaged in international competitions (for which neither Malagò nor the Italian Government evidently decide) and that in a few months there would be a European championship to be played, moreover itinerant in 12 different countries and with the first match scheduled in Rome, in theory on 12 June. Here, competition for competition, what will happen.
SERIE A CHAMPIONSHIP
The championship will definitely stop until April 3, which is a Friday, then we'll see. There will actually be 3 days off in all (the one initially on the calendar last weekend, where part of the previous one was recovered, and the next two), since at the end of March, however, there would have been a break for the national teams. Moreover, even those matches, which are mostly friendly and therefore absolutely renounceable, are highly at risk. In theory, Italy is engaged on Friday 27 at 20 at Wembley against England. At the strict moment of writing (the situation changes from hour to hour), the match is confirmed.
For the recoveries of skipping days we will try to recover some useful days in May, suspending the Italian Cup and cutting the retreat-holiday at Forte Village from May 25 that coach Roberto Mancini had obtained in view of the European Championship. That week would be entirely dedicated to the championship and there is talk of a possible playoff-type formula. But the finals of the Europa League (May 27) and Champions (May 30) are scheduled for the same days. And if there was an Italian?
PROMOTIONS, RETROCESSIONS AND… CHAMPIONSHIP
If the championship were to stop for several months it could be impossible or in any case very complicated to conclude it, also considering that in the summer there are European Championships and even the Olympics. However, the prospect of a definitive ranking considering the last day completed (therefore Juventus champion of Italy) does not convince everyone. There is therefore the possibility of not assigning the title and freezing relegations, with a Serie A that next year would have 22, with two teams promoted from Serie B, but the FIGC federal council will have to establish it, which has postponed the decision to March 23rd. Not least also the issue of qualifying for the next European cups: in the Champions League, as is well known, the top four go; today they would be Juve-Lazio-Inter-Atalanta, but what would happen in case of definitive suspension of the championship?
EUROPEAN AND EUROPEAN CUPS
For UEFA, the Champions League and the Europa League are moving forward, but navigating on sight between closed doors and possible postponements. In case you can resort to tenders on a neutral ground, but the governments of the individual countries decide. For now it is certain that the matches involving Italian teams, whether they are in Italy or abroad, will be behind closed doors: these are Valencia-Atalanta (tonight), Inter-Getafe, Sevilla-Roma and Barcelona-Naples this week next. Even at risk of postponement instead Juventus-Lyon: the match will officially take place next week in Turin behind closed doors, but the availability of a neutral venue is being evaluated (Malta has already said no). Psg-Borussia Dortmund also behind closed doors, Basel-Eintracht Frankfurt canceled from the Europa League. For Euro 2020, however, it is still early, but it is said that Italy could ask for a postponement from UEFA.
TV RIGHTS
At the moment there are no answers on the situation of TV rights after the stop for the next three days. But the Lega assembly will be held on Monday 16th (by videoconference) on rights 2021-24: it will be an opportunity to talk about it. Until now there had been talks of broadcasting some matches in the clear, in particular Juventus-Inter, but nothing has been done about it. Tonight's Valencia-Atalanta, as already foreseen, will be clear on Mediaset.
WORKOUTS
Another topic that was discussed was that of training, during which it is difficult to comply with government directives (keep at least one meter apart from each other). In any case, the answer is that yes, football players and other sportsmen and women will be able to train while waiting: because last night's new Dpcm it won't deprive the “professional athletes” of the ability to get on with the activity, obviously without competitions.
