Football Returns In Italy
Lucas Paqueta pressed on Cristiano Ronaldo The Federcalcio(Italian Football Federation) became the 3rd football governing federation (after Germany and Spain) to reopen her doors to the soccer game after a long layoff due to coronavirus pandemic. It could be recalled that all things football was halted in Italy on the 9th of March in a measure to curtail the rapid spread of the virus across the country back in March. Though the league is scheduled to restart 8 days from now, the Coppa Italia returned on Friday with the 2nd leg of the semifinal square up between AC Milan and Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. The tie which was originally scheduled for March 4 saw the Old Ladies held Milan to a goalless draw and advanced into the final on away goal rule. The 1st leg had ended in a 1-all-draw at the San Siro, Cristiano Ronaldo's late spot-kick rescuing a point for the Old Ladies having initially gone behind to Milan's Ante Rebic's volley. With the majority of the players recently returned to full training, a hi-octane encounter wasn't understandably anticipated, however, a dismal display wasn't expected on the card either. A Cristiano Ronaldo missed spot-kick in 16th minute and the aftermath straight red card to Ante Rebic just a few seconds after were the 2 major talking points at full time. Juventus now awaits the winner of Saturday tie between Napoli and Inter Milan. The final is scheduled to be played just 3 days before the league resumes. To matters off the pitch, as expected, the new Modus Operandi for sporting activities were all in place; minimal or no fans allowed into the stadium, social distancing amongst reserves, use of protection masks etc, It's a welcomed restart which set the tone for the league in coming days. Empty stadium Juve legend Pavel Nedved far right. Stewards in protection mask Thank you all for your time.