Obviously, I am not that oblivious to the news. And aside from a shipment, I am waiting on from China which is likely to never come, I didn’t care about the virus. Not to say I didn’t know it was dangerous or I am some monster who just doesn’t care, but out of sight out of mind right. Well no. Canceling games in Serie A because of the 2 deaths this passed weekend related to Coronavirus is certainly going to interfere with my standard weekend of watching ESPN+. Four Matches were canceled this last weekend that we’re in the immediate relative area of the deaths. These included games the Inter match against Sampdoria, Atalanta v Sassuolo, Hellas Verona v Cagliari and Torino v Parma.
One death took place in Veneto Italy, the Italian region is known for Venice. Verona is nearby and home to Hellas Verona. The other death took place in Bergamo, northeast of Milan and east of Turin. Bergamo is home to Atalanta and close enough to Milan and Turin for them to also call off both the Inter and Torino matches. A Serie B and a Serie C game were also canceled and many other youth games.
Prevention of the spread of this disease should obviously be the number 1 concern of the Italian government and FA. No doubt. But today the Prime Minister Tweeted that he does not think the virus will slow down enough to resume sporting events. You guys, we got a problem! First the sporting events are only canceled in these two regions of Italy. Two, how are you going to replay all this. Third, do the other teams and other matches go on. lastly, Champions League and Europa League Matches? I must imagine Italian Soccer is about to be suspended. I am so scared right now.
Dozens of towns in northern Italy are now on lockdown, with schools and government offices closed. Multiple other has contracted the virus in these towns. These people have of course been isolated according to the stories I have read.
My fear of missing Soccer is actually second to the fear of this virus but I really hope this virus doesn’t render my ESPN+ subscription useless.
Author: Michael Kemp, Charlotte NC. Project Manager by Trade, Everything Soccer at Heart. Until our Club is set up in Charlotte, Inter Milan is My club of choice since watching them win the treble in 2010 (mostly through internet Replays). I really will watch any soccer that gets in front of my face, but I can be mostly found seeking out Serie A and Barclays or sneaking in Champions/Europa league games in my office on the weekdays. #Nerrazurri @Mikeyrokk