Following the news of Pope Francis’ passing, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced the cancellation of all football matches originally scheduled for today. This suspension applies across all levels of Italian football—from the top-flight Serie A down through the amateur divisions.
According to Tutto Mercato, the decision was made with unanimous support from all organizational bodies within the federation. The Serie A’s 33rd matchday fixtures, including Fiorentina’s scheduled match.
Raffaele Palladino’s squad was set to play at 3:00 p.m. today against Cagliari, but this contest has now been postponed indefinitely.
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Sources indicate that the Fiorentina team is currently arranging their departure from Sardinia.
The Viola contingent is expected to return to Florence early this afternoon, with travel preparations already underway.
This was communicated in a statement released on Monday by the FIGC.
“Football and the FIGC mourn the passing of Pope Francis , who passed away this morning at the age of 88.
“Italian football shares with emotion the grief of hundreds of millions of people for the painful passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” the words of the president of the FIGC Gabriele Gravina.
“A great example of Christian charity and dignity in suffering, he always showed himself attentive to the world of sport and to football in particular, of which he was passionate.
“His human closeness, as well as spiritual, to the sick, the poor and the persecuted across the planet was his deepest testimony, a beacon that will illuminate generations to come. He will remain forever in our hearts as faithful and lovers of the game of football”.
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