While the Italian Government takes time over finalising the rules on non-vaccinated players, Atalanta are forced to split anti-vaxxers in their squad for the trip to Lazio, with different hotel, travel and meals.
In theory, non-vaccinated players would’ve been barred from taking part in games or even entering the locker rooms from January 10.
However, the Government is taking a while to finalise the wording on the latest decree, so for the moment the situation is still somewhat up in the air.
Erring on the side of caution, L’Eco di Bergamo newspaper reports Atalanta are organising two completely different itineraries for the non-vaccinated players in their squad when playing against Lazio this weekend.
That includes not having them travel with the rest of the team, so they have their own separate bus, staying in an apartment close to the hotel and being fed their meals in a different hall.
It seems an odd way of going about it, considering these same players will be taking part in a contact sport on the pitch for 90 minutes.
It is also expensive and complicated for Atalanta to organise effectively two different squads.
In October, it was announced that 98 per cent of Serie A players were vaccinated and it is becoming increasingly difficult for those remaining to avoid it.
Meanwhile, the French Government has confirmed only vaccinated athletes will be allowed into the country, raising question marks over potential Champions League, Europa League and Conference League fixtures.
The ‘Djokovic rule’ could now have an effect in football after the French government confirmed only vaccinated athletes would be allowed into the country… Lille v Chelsea next month. Could reveal their unvaccinated players #CFC
— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) January 17, 2022