Why did the FIGC request matches without fans in attendance?

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FIGC Requested Matches Without Fans to Safeguard Sporting Competition

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) formally requested that Serie A matches be conducted behind closed doors in regions affected by the coronavirus outbreak. This measure was specifically aimed at ensuring the continuity and integrity of the sporting competition amidst growing health concerns. The decision followed the government's agreement to this request, allowing certain sporting events to proceed without spectators until Sunday.
Protection of Sporting Integrity

The primary rationale behind the FIGC's request was to "safeguard the sporting competition," as stated on their official website. With the virus spreading, particularly in the Lombardy and Veneto regions, authorities had initially banned sporting events in these areas until Sunday. By allowing matches to continue without fans, the FIGC sought to prevent further postponements, which would create a significant scheduling challenge for the league, as evidenced by the four Serie A matches already postponed the previous weekend, including Inter Milan's home fixture against Sampdoria.
Specific Matches Affected

The directive indicated that several key Serie A fixtures would be played without spectators. These included Udinese against Fiorentina on Saturday, AC Milan versus Genoa, the highly anticipated match between league leaders Juventus and third-placed Inter Milan in Turin on Sunday, Parma against SPAL, Sassuolo against Brescia on Sunday, and Sampdoria versus Verona on Monday. While these matches were permitted to proceed, other fixtures could still be played with spectators present, provided the virus did not spread further.
Broader Impact on Sports

Beyond Serie A, the implications of the outbreak extended to other sports. Pro 14 rugby union announced the postponement of two matches scheduled in Italy for the following weekend: Zebre against the Welsh club Ospreys in Parma, and Treviso-based Benetton's game against Irish side Ulster. Additionally, a planned gathering of Italy’s under-19 football team with national coach Roberto Mancini was also cancelled, highlighting the widespread impact of the health crisis on sporting activities across the country.

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Why did the FIGC request matches without fans in attendance?

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