The postponement of Napoli–Salernitana finds opposition in Italy, with Il Corriere dello Sport’s co-editor Alessandro Barbano claiming it would confirm the ‘inadequacy of public security in Italy.’
The Stadio Maradona clash, originally scheduled for Saturday, will be postponed to Sunday, although the kick-off time has not been decided yet.
This is officially due to public security reasons. Napoli, in fact, will win their first Serie A title in 33 years if they beat Salernitana and Lazio fail to do the same against Inter at San Siro. The match between the Nerazzurri and the Biancocelesti will be played on Sunday at 11:30 UK time, while the rescheduled Napoli game will kick off on the same day at 14:00 or 16:00.
Italian journalist Alessandro Barbano, co-editor of Il Corriere dello Sport, believes the postponement has little to do with public security. In an article published in Thursday’s printed edition of Il Corriere dello Sport – so before the decision had been taken – Barbano argued that such a decision would confirm the ‘inadequacy of public security in Italy’ insisting that ‘common sense’ is needed.
‘It’s hard to understand the reason behind it,’ he added.
‘Surely, it’s not related to the sport because the games’ results and when the Scudetto will be won, can’t be predicted.
‘To change the order of games, defined by a draw, would affect the correctness of the tournament. The results of Napoli, Salernitana, Lazio and Inter are still crucial in the Champions League and relegation race.
‘The entire Serie A would be influenced by a decision that, among other things, is a gamble on the result of games. If Napoli don’t beat Salernitana or Lazio win against Inter, how would Naples’ Chief Magistrate justify a postponement based on the prediction of a result which is not sure?
‘What’s the reason? The risk for public security won’t be higher if celebrations begin on Saturday or Sunday, especially because the party won’t stop on Monday.
‘If the security machine cannot guarantee security, it means that the city of Naples and its fans have lost the right to celebrate their team’s victory. Or rather, it means that prevention can do more damage than urban chaos.’