Serie A Matches Postponed Following Death of Pope Francis

Serie A postponed all four matches scheduled for Monday after the Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis at age 88, reflecting the profound respect and mourning across Italy. The affected fixtures—Torino vs Udinese, Cagliari vs Fiorentina, Genoa vs Lazio, and Parma vs Juventus—were called off, with new dates to be announced. The postponement also extended to Primavera 1 youth matches, while Serie B initially remained unaffected but was expected to follow suit. The decision was driven by both national mourning and practical concerns, as millions of pilgrims are expected in Rome, placing significant demands on local security and infrastructure. The postponement introduces scheduling challenges for Serie A during the crucial final weeks of the season, particularly for clubs vying for Champions League spots. Clubs and officials widely expressed condolences, underscoring Pope Francis’s lasting influence on Italian society and football.