Scudetto play-offs 'being considered'

By Football Italia staff

Serie A, B and C will have until March 23 to present proposals on how to end the season amid the Coronavirus outbreak, including not assigning the Scudetto, using the current table or organising play-offs.

This was confirmed by Lega Pro President Francesco Ghirelli as he left the extraordinary FIGC summit this afternoon, as the Government ordered the suspension of all sporting events until April 3.

“We are evaluating the idea that every league will decide autonomously what to do next. The idea is to finish the season by playing all the games, but we have to consider the alternative options too,” Ghirelli told reporters.

“Among these options are not assigning the Scudetto, assigning it using the current table or organising play-offs.”

As France, Spain, Portugal and Germany start playing some or all their games behind closed doors, it’s increasingly likely the Euro 2020 tournament for June and July could be postponed or cancelled.

“Every league will decide by itself how to develop the rest of the campaign,” continued Ghirelli.

“As for Serie A, if we were to block the season here and consider this current table, we would relegate the teams currently in the bottom three. We are not considering the idea of expanding Serie A to 22 teams with two sides promoted from Serie B.

“Football must adapt to the needs and difficulties of the country. We’ve got to accept that.”

As for the Champions League and Europa League, Ghirelli revealed there are concerns over Thursday’s games.

“We had a call with UEFA President Ceferin. They are in negotiations with the Spanish Government, who suspended flights to and from Italy, so that the Giallorossi can arrive for the game with Sevilla.”

Inter are also due to host Getafe that same day, while Napoli visit Barcelona next week.

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