The regional chief of Lombardy confirms he is working towards opening up Serie A games to fans. ‘Napoli showed it can be done.’
Sporting events have been behind closed doors in Italy since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March, but as the lockdown has eased around the country with theatres and cinemas re-opening, pressure is growing for football to follow.
Napoli have already set the example, selling tickets for up to 1,000 people to attend their pre-season training sessions and friendlies in Castel di Sangro.
The regional chief of Lombardy confirms he is working towards opening up Serie A games to fans. ‘Napoli showed it can be done.’
Sporting events have been behind closed doors in Italy since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March, but as the lockdown has eased around the country with theatres and cinemas re-opening, pressure is growing for football to follow.
Napoli have already set the example, selling tickets for up to 1,000 people to attend their pre-season training sessions and friendlies in Castel di Sangro.
“It’s absolutely possible to re-open the stadiums and Napoli showed it can be done,” Lombardy regional president Attilio Fontana told Radio Punto Nuovo.
“Returning to normality means sport too, especially in a country like ours that is so passionate about football. I had long meetings with scientists, and if people respect the rules, this activity is by no means any more dangerous than going to a restaurant, for example.”
The Serie A season is due to resume on September 19 and there are attempts to get at least season ticket holders into the stands.
“I hope we can soon find a solution that is compatible for the whole country. If it’s not possible, then the individual regions can set their own rules, although that would penalise some teams more than others.
“With all due precautions, we can get our children back to school and fans into the stands to watch football. Until a vaccine is developed, we have to learn how to live with the virus.”