(foto: Getty Images)
Serie A postponed all top-flight matches scheduled for Easter Monday following the death of Pope Francis. Serie B matches were initially unaffected, but a full postponement is now expected.
Serie A has officially postponed all four matches scheduled for April 21, following the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning. The Pope passed away at 07:35 CEST at his residence in Santa Marta, aged 88.
The Italian top flight had planned a full day of action on Easter Monday, with matches starting from midday and running late into the evening. Torino vs Udinese was set to open the day at 12:30 CEST, followed by Cagliari vs Fiorentina, Genoa vs Lazio, and the highly anticipated clash between Parma and Juventus.
In addition to the top-flight postponements, Primavera 1 matches involving Roma, Udinese, Monza, Sassuolo, Sampdoria, and Torino have also been suspended.
Surprisingly, Serie B fixtures were initially not included in the official announcement. Despite that, Bari FC, who were due to face Sudtirol early in the day, released a statement hinting that "official confirmation of the postponement of the entire round" in the second division was imminent.
The unprecedented Easter Monday pause in Serie A reflects the nation’s deep mourning and respect for the late Pope. The Italian football community is now awaiting further instructions regarding the rescheduling of the fixtures.