JUVENTUS will be awarded a 3-0 win after opponents Napoli did not TURN UP to their Serie A game amid Covid-19 fears.
In incredible scences, the Old Lady – and a smattering of fans – arrived at the Allianz Stadium for the 7:45 kick-off, in the knowledge their rivals had not made the trip.
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at the stadium but crucially opponents Napoli did notCredit: Getty Images – Getty
TV coverage displayed a message regarding Napoli’s absence
With two positive results this week, Napoli were BANNED from travelling by their local health authority.
However, Serie A refused to call the game off.
And, under league rules, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Bianconeri will be handed all three points after the bizarre no-show.
TV coverage displayed a message which read ‘Awaiting Arrival of Away Team’ as the action failed to get underway.
There was no action on Juventus’ pitchCredit: AFP
Napoli were scheduled to travel on Saturday night for Sunday evening’s league game but were prevented from doing so.
The local health authority stepped in after their most recent opponents Genoa suffered a widespread coronavirus outbreak – with 17 players testing positive.
Since then two Napoli players plus a member of staff have also tested positive for the virus.
Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas are the players to have been confirmed as positive so far but there could be more to come in the next round of testing.
Juventus also have their own problems amid the pandemic with two members of staff coming down with Covid-19.
But the Old Lady confirmed yesterday they would still take to the field as planned, despite health concerns.
The club’s account tweeted: “Juventus Football Club announces that the First Team will take to the field for the Juventus – Napoli match tomorrow at 20:45, as foreseen by the Serie A League calendar.”
Serie A’s protocol – taken from Uefa – states that games will not be postponed if clubs can field 13 players including a keeper.
But the local health authority trumped the footballing procedures.
Genoa’s game with Torino, due to take place on Saturday, was postponed.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Pirlo seen together for first time as Juventus begin training ahead of new Serie A season
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
