News Focus
- Serie A president Luigi De Siervo wants four key games to start at 12:30 PM Italian time on Sunday, May 17
- The fixtures include the Rome derby, plus matches featuring AC Milan, Juventus, and Como
- This scheduling keeps the battle for Champions League places fair and honest
- The Italian Open tennis final creates safety concerns near the Stadio Olimpico
- Monday evening is another option, but TV firms strongly oppose this idea
The boss of Italy’s top division has confirmed plans for four vital matches to kick off at the same time this Sunday. Luigi De Siervo says this move protects fairness in the tight race for Champions League spots.
The games under discussion are AS Roma versus Lazio, Genoa against AC Milan, Juventus hosting Fiorentina, and Como facing Parma. All could begin at 12:30 PM Central European Summer Time. This means a 1:30 PM start for football fans in Kenya.
League rules state that sides chasing the same targets must play together during the last two rounds of the season. This stops clubs from knowing other results before they step onto the pitch. With the fight for the top four so close, several teams fall under this rule.
A big problem remains, however. The final of the Italian Open tennis tournament takes place that same Sunday afternoon at the Foro Italico. This venue sits right next to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Safety officials worry about huge crowds mixing in one small area.
De Siervo told Radio RAI that he must balance public safety, the tennis event, and sporting fairness. He feels the Sunday lunchtime slot works best for everyone involved.
Officials could instead move these matches to Monday at 6:00 PM Italian time. Yet television companies hate this plan. They argue the timing would cut viewer numbers. Working supporters might also miss the start of the action.
SSC Napoli could yet join this group of teams. If they fail to beat Bologna in their next match, they will enter the top four race. Their fixture would then also need to start at the same time as the others.