It’s Sunday, time for the weekly tradition all avid Italian soccer fans are waiting for -Italian Serie A – only to see that the Italian league is on strike!
It’s horrible timing for this to occur as Italy is dropping in the UEFA league rankings causing the Serie A to lose its 4th qualifying spot for the Champions League next year. Instead of striking, both the Lega Calcio and the AIC (Italian Players’ Association) should discuss strategies to get their league out of this slump and back where it belongs – top three in the world. There seems to be a temporary agreement made in order to get week 2 underway September 9th-11th.
Currently, Italian National team coach, Cesare Prandelli, has expressed his disappointment regarding this issue as Italy needs to be well prepared for the final 2 qualifying games for Euro 2012. Although Italy finds itself 5 points ahead of second place Slovenia and with a game in hand, Prandelli wishes to continue his excellent progress made thus far by keeping his players in top shape. Italy needs only one win to qualify for Euro 2012. The same goes without saying for Champions League contenders Milan, Inter, and Napoli who will compete in their first Champions League encounter having only played one league game by the time the European competition begins. This is such a large disadvantage for the Italians as the other club teams have already competed in several league games. Not being in match fitness will be like playing against 12 men as Milan will face Champions League holders Barcelona on Match Day 1. It is crucial for the Serie A to get going for both clubs and country, and to get the fans back in the stadiums to enjoy their weekly Sunday tradition!
Last Word On Sports – Weekly Football Blog
Frank Luciano Giuliano
