FIGC President Gabriele Gravina shot down suggestions from the Lega Serie A that the start of the season could be delayed if extreme heat conditions continue.
The campaign is due to kick off on August 13 and Lega Serie A President Lorenzo Casini commented last week that it would be “very difficult” to start on that date “if the current temperatures persist.”
Europe is in the grip of an historic heatwave at the moment, with wildfires breaking out in several countries and extreme temperatures.
The Serie A season is starting earlier due to the 2022 World Cup, which will be played in November and December in Qatar.
“We did not decide when to start and end the season, but there are dates and they need to be respected,” said FIGC President Gravina today at an event in Reggio Calabria.
“After all, in other years we have started August 20, so it’s only a week’s difference. I remember in 1994 in the USA World Cup Final we played against Brazil in Pasadena on July 17 and it was 50 degrees Celsius.
“Athletes are athletes, they are prepared to face even the most extreme conditions.”
The earliest kick-off time for games in the first four Serie A weekends is 18.30 local time because of the weather, therefore avoiding the heat of the sun.
From September 3, there will be some fixtures at 15.00 and 12.20 local time.
A pathetic leader for Italian Calcio.
Invest in Italian youth rather than focus on this superficial nonsense!
It’s a shame, Ibiza/Formentera aren’t as nice in November/December as they are the last July we missed the World Cup. Damn shame