On Monday, Italy entered a nationwide lockdown to slow the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Following this announcement, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed that all sporting events, including the Serie A, would be suspended until at least April 3.
Serie A could be Abandoned due to Coronavirus
Alternative Options
FIGC president, Gabriele Gravina, admitted that the season may not finish, and put forward alternative options. These options included holding play-offs, stopping the season at its current position, declaring the season null, or extending the season.
Play-offs would decide the champions, European qualification and relegation. This would be the first time this occurred since 1964 when Bologna and Inter Milan were tied at the top of the table at the end of the season.
If the season were to be ended at its current position, Juventus would be crowned champions. This would extend their run to nine times in a row. Juventus are currently only one point ahead of Lazio in the standings after a decisive victory in the Derby D’Italia.
If the season was declared null, this would be the first Serie A season with no champions since the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal in 2004/05. In 2005, Juve were champions, but their title was revoked after they were found guilty of match-fixing. No alternative champion was named.
The season might need to be extended. Even if it continues as normal, playing all twelve remaining rounds by May 24 would be a near-impossible task, especially with all the midweek Europa League and Champions League fixtures. To get around this, it was proposed to extend the season to May 31.
Extreme but Necessary Measures
Italy is the European country hardest hit by Coronavirus, and they have responded with equally extreme measures. While football can sometimes seem indispensable, it is a disposable luxury in a health crisis of this seriousness. Abandoning a season of Serie A might be the sacrifice needed to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
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