The Italian government has approved 75% capacity for stadiums, moving on from the 50% cap that has been implemented since the start of the 2021/22 Serie A season.
The Covid pandemic has prompted stadiums in Serie A to operate at half the capacity, unlike some of the other leagues in Europe such as Premier League, that have seen venues function at almost full capacity since the start of the season.
Valentina Vezzali, the Undersecretary of State for Sport, spoke at the Festival del Calcio in Trento and announced the developments.
“The decision has been made, the capacity will be 75 per cent in open-air stadiums and 60 per cent for closed arenas. I hope that in circa 15 days we can reach 100 per cent. This is a small sign of support for the world of sport,” she said.
ULTIM'ORA
VEZZALI: "CDM HA APPROVATO APERTURA STADI AL 75%
NEI LUOGHI AL CHIUSO INVECE PUBBLICO AL 60%"#SkySport #Vezzali— skysport (@SkySport) October 7, 2021
In about a month or so, stadiums are expected to function in full flow. Only those with a valid ‘Green Pass’ i.e. proof of double vaccination can enter venues, or one must possess evidence of recent recovery from Covid-19 or a recent negative test report no less than 48 hours of the match.
The move will see Italian clubs breathe a sigh of relief as they will be able to coup in more funds from ticketing and stadium revenue, marginally offsetting losses that has negatively affected almost all clubs in the peninsula.