© EuroFootball.com
The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) on Saturday announced that all sports competitions scheduled to take place throughout the country over the weekend, including the 30th round of Serie A matches, are being interrupted and postponed to a later date due to the critical condition of Pope John Paul II.
"Considering the latest medical reports, which make it clear that the death of His Holiness is inevitable, and respecting the sorrow expressed by all players, coaches, managers, and fans, we invite all Italian sports federations to immediately suspend all matches scheduled for this weekend," said committee president Gianni Petrucci.
Following a dramatic deterioration in the pope's condition on Friday, mournful moods prevailed in Italian cities, especially in the capital of Rome, affecting the football community, the majority of whom agreed with the postponement of the matches.
"Now we should stop. It's the least we can do for a man who has given so much to humanity," said Bologna coach Carlo Mazzone.
"I think now is the time to take a break and reflect on the situation. I met the pope in the 80s, he was always close to the people. From him, one could feel this wonderful sense of peace, and I think he is experiencing it now," said Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.
"In certain situations, football should take a step back. Now everyone should stop and pray for the pope, for the man who has given so much to humanity and constantly sent his message of peace," said Sampdoria coach Walter Novellino.
"We are all very sad and waiting for news from the Vatican, hoping for the best. It is right that sporting events should be suspended because there are things much more important than football," said legendary Cagliari captain Gianfranco Zola.
However, discussions have arisen regarding the timing of the decision to interrupt the matches, as four teams - Juventus, Inter, Livorno, and Brescia - and some of their fans had already traveled for away games.
"The decision to suspend all sports competitions is wise, but it was clear to everyone that it should have been made yesterday," noted Juventus general director Luciano Moggi.
This decision was also supported by football fans, as several thousand of them had to cancel their planned trips and return home - for example, two full trains of Juventus fans had already traveled to Florence to watch the match against Fiorentina, and four hundred Livorno fans were on their way to Rome to watch the match against Lazio.
Postponed matches are expected to be played on April 20, and previously scheduled Italian Cup games will be rescheduled for a later date.
