Serie A announced that the next edition of the Supercoppa Italiana will be postponed from its original dates following a request from Saudi Arabia. It’ll take place from January 21st to 25th, affecting two matchdays. Napoli and Fiorentina threaten to boycott it because of the busy schedule and the geopolitical instability in the Middle East, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs (via Fantacalcio).
The Partenopei suggested holding it in Italy. However, the League signed a lucrative contract last year, introducing a four-team format. Besides the logjam of games and the traveling, the situation in Israel fuels safety concerns.
Aurelio De Laurentiis didn’t directly state his intention during Monday’s meeting but made it known later on. Fiorentina patron Rocco Commisso joined the protest, although he wasn’t as passionate and will likely give his greenlight anyway. On the other hand, Serie A isn’t fretting. It’d just replace the two sides if they didn’t participate. Milan and Atalanta would be next in line to compete with Inter and Lazio in the final four of the Supercoppa.
The Rossoneri and La Dea would reportedly accept if given the chance. The Scudetto holders and the Viola would miss out on the income, which ranges from €3M to €7M. They’d probably face a sanction, potentially even a point deduction.
Serie A will split Round 21 to accommodate the Supercoppa: four games will be unusually played on Wednesday and Thursday.
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