ROME (ITALPRESS) – “At the moment, the month in which the Bologna-Milan rematch is scheduled is February. The date will be defined on the basis of results from European competitions and the Coppa Italia. With respect to the postponement, there have been some sensible comments and others less so. There was an order from a public authority, there is established jurisprudence on this from both sports and ordinary justice: an order from an authority cannot be disregarded by the sports world. In the little time we had, we tried to dialogue with the institutions, both the Ministry of the Interior and the Municipality of Bologna, to try to find a solution to play behind closed doors. There was no willingness. At that point, we tried to check on the neutral field, an option not provided for in our bylaws; it would have been an important innovation. But with not even 24 hours, available stadiums with a lower capacity than Bologna, inconvenience for the fans and the home team, in the end we followed what the ordinance asked for and postponed. I thank L’Empoli who had given availability for their stadium.” Thus to the microphones of Radio Anch’io Sport on Rai Radio 1 Lorenzo Casini, president of Lega Serie A, on the controversy related to the postponement due to bad weather of Bologna-Milan. “Would an 18-team league increase the space to recover matches? In the specific case, nothing would change. In the last 20 years we have always remained at 20 teams, the problem is that the windows for national teams have increased with competitions such as the Nations League. European competitions have also increased with the new formats, and now the calendar has become flooded,” added the number one club in the top league. On the Super Cup in Arabia: “The four-team format is not carved in stone, it is decided from year to year by the assembly. To say that two extra matches flooded the calendar seems excessive to me. A pro of the four-team format, in addition to the economic one, is also the opportunity to become known outside the national borders. The fact that it is played in Arabia is not only an economic issue however there is a strong need to promote Italian soccer abroad. The disappointment of the fans can absolutely be understood. For this year we are working with the organization to secure and facilitate travel and fan attendance. For the rest, on the one hand we have to balance interests, and on the other hand we have to look at what is happening in other sports. In the NBA, games in Europe have now been accepted.” “Serie A abroad? It can hardly happen, the issue of fans would become even more important.” On the possibility of having more and more big matches at alternative times to the evening, to favor foreign markets: “The issue of time zone and foreign markets has affected, there was a need for international usability of certain matches. In the future derby della Madonnina or Inter-Juve at lunchtime? It could be an option, it is not to be ruled out.” In terms of Figc, for Casini there are no problems with President Gravina: “I don’t see splits. First of all, it is not about people but about institutions. If you go on people, you make an error of perspective. A stronger, more present, more empowered Serie A is good for everyone. Even on the national team, if there is something wrong, Serie A becomes more responsible for the decisions that are made.” The Champions format is not reminiscent of that of the Superleague: “The Superleague had a completely different logic, ensuring continuity of presence for some clubs. In fact, the SuperChampions was criticized for the opposite, that is, creating matches that were too unbalanced. I agree with Marchetti from Uefa, we have to wait a few more days. Now it is hard to read the standings, but it is clear that the last few games will be crucial and it will be a Champions with increasing suspense. When there were group matches there was a risk of matches without interest.” As for the Club World Cup formula, in addition to Fifa, “I think the fans of the teams involved also like it. I feel like saying that in the era of calendar flooding, they weigh the national teams more than the Club World Cup: because of the increased windows, but also because the World Cup directly affects the teams that are the main employers of players. When will the players rest? I would evaluate Carlo Ancelotti’s proposal, which is to give a kind of turnover with vacations during the championship to some players. I don’t know how provocative it was, but it is to be considered with the players themselves.” Final on the excitement of the championship: “There are many cues such as the return of Antonio Conte, several reinforced teams. And then yesterday’s game was long overdue: it’s the biggest promotion you can make of the league in the world.”- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
