+ A
A -
AFP
Milan
Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte said on Wednesday it “wasn’t nice” being forced to play upcoming Europa League and Serie A games behind closed doors because of the growing coronavirus epidemic in Italy.
Inter host Bulgarian side Ludogorets in the Europa League round of 32, second leg at an empty San Siro on Thursday, before travelling to play Juventus in Turin on Sunday for an Italian league clash also without fans.
“It’s not nice, because in the end football needs the public and to feel the atmosphere around it. The atmosphere is the most beautiful thing,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.
“Having said that, we defer to the decisions made by the health authorities. I hope that everything will return to normal as soon as possible.”
Towns in the north of Italy are in lockdown because of the spread of the virus where there have been 400 confirmed cases and 12 people have died.
Ludogorets’ players and staff arrived in Milan on Wednesday in protective facemasks, with many also wearing gloves.
Inter take a 2-0 lead into the game against the Bulgarians, as they target a last-16 place having crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage.
“Inter Milan is adopting all the necessary precautionary and preventive measures to protect the players and staff,” the Italian club said in a statement.
“The club has shown its full commitment in taking appropriate action, such as closing the hospitality areas and cancelling all activities that would have meant the gathering of people, in order to ensure that the match can take place safely.”
Italy’s Six Nations match with Italy in Dublin on March 7 has been postponed and their game against England in Rome on March 14 at risk.
Italy’s Rugby Federation (FIR) has cancelled all matches the weekend, as well as all gatherings of national teams.
Milan
Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte said on Wednesday it “wasn’t nice” being forced to play upcoming Europa League and Serie A games behind closed doors because of the growing coronavirus epidemic in Italy.
Inter host Bulgarian side Ludogorets in the Europa League round of 32, second leg at an empty San Siro on Thursday, before travelling to play Juventus in Turin on Sunday for an Italian league clash also without fans.
“It’s not nice, because in the end football needs the public and to feel the atmosphere around it. The atmosphere is the most beautiful thing,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.
“Having said that, we defer to the decisions made by the health authorities. I hope that everything will return to normal as soon as possible.”
Towns in the north of Italy are in lockdown because of the spread of the virus where there have been 400 confirmed cases and 12 people have died.
Ludogorets’ players and staff arrived in Milan on Wednesday in protective facemasks, with many also wearing gloves.
Inter take a 2-0 lead into the game against the Bulgarians, as they target a last-16 place having crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage.
“Inter Milan is adopting all the necessary precautionary and preventive measures to protect the players and staff,” the Italian club said in a statement.
“The club has shown its full commitment in taking appropriate action, such as closing the hospitality areas and cancelling all activities that would have meant the gathering of people, in order to ensure that the match can take place safely.”
Italy’s Six Nations match with Italy in Dublin on March 7 has been postponed and their game against England in Rome on March 14 at risk.
Italy’s Rugby Federation (FIR) has cancelled all matches the weekend, as well as all gatherings of national teams.
