Claudio Ranieri has joined Inter in expressing his solidarity for the people of Genoa after flash floods killed at least six people.
Claudio Ranieri has joined Inter in expressing his solidarity for the people of Genoa after flash floods killed at least six people.
Sunday's Serie A match at Marassi has been called off, as freak thunderstorms in the city damaged the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and prompted the death of six people, including two children. At first it was reported there were seven deaths.
“Seeing the images from Genoa just hits you in the heart, so we are close to the people and our thoughts go to those suffering at this time,” Ranieri told Inter Channel.
“Obviously, football takes a step back. Unfortunately we see that every three or four years something like this happens. This time it was a catastrophe. I hope lessons can be learned to prevent further problems.”
There were already floods in the Liguria region this week and the ticket sales from Genoa-Inter would've gone to help those affected.
However, the floods returned in the city itself, leaving the central roads caked in mud, cars swept downstream and other detritus.
“I'm sure we will do something to raise funds when the game is rescheduled. It just seems a terrible shame that we only act afterwards, whereas these events should've been prevented and those lives saved.”
On Monday the Lega Serie A will decide on the rescheduled date.