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Juventus-Inter among five Serie A games to be played behind closed doors over coronavirus fears

Serie A has confirmed five matches will take place without fans in attendance this weekend, including Juventus versus Inter.

By Peter Hanson
Allianz Stadium

Milan, February 28: Juventus' derby d'Italia against Inter will be one of five Serie A matches played behind closed doors this weekend due to ongoing fears over the spread of the coronavirus in Italy.

Milan's home fixture with Genoa, Udinese against Fiorentina, Parma's clash with SPAL and Brescia's trip to Sassuolo will also kick off in front of empty stadiums.

Inter's Europa League last-32 second-leg tie at home to Ludogorets on Thursday (February 27) also took place without fans in attendance and a Serie A statement on Thursday confirmed their trip to Allianz Stadium would do likewise.

The Nerazzurri's fixture against Sampdoria was postponed last weekend in one of four Serie A abandonments.

Inter 2-1 Ludogorets (4-1 agg): Conte's men get job done at empty San SiroInter 2-1 Ludogorets (4-1 agg): Conte's men get job done at empty San Siro

Towns in northern Italy have been on lockdown after 229 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with seven people having died.

Speaking prior to the Ludogorets fixture, Inter boss and former Juve coach Antonio Conte told Sky Italia: "I think playing behind closed doors is not beautiful

"Football needs the public and to feel the whole atmosphere around it. It is the most beautiful thing.

"Having said that, we refer to the decisions made for health reasons, but I hope that everything will return to normal as soon as possible."

Inter are six points adrift of leaders Juve with a game in hand.

Story first published: Friday, February 28, 2020, 9:46 [IST]
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