Serie A Fixtures Postponed as Italy Mourns the Death of Pope Francis

Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina Among Clubs Affected as Serie A Fixtures Postponed

Italian football has come to a respectful halt following the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on April 21. As the nation mourns the loss of a spiritual giant and global icon, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed that several Serie A fixtures are postponed, including high-profile matches involving Juventus, Lazio, and Fiorentina.

This isn’t just a pause in sport. It’s a gesture steeped in the deeply Catholic traditions of a country where faith and football are often intertwined more closely than one might expect. The decision reflects the weight of the moment—not just for Italians, but for millions around the world who admired the humility, warmth, and unwavering values of the late Pontiff.

A Nation in Mourning

News of Pope Francis’ death sent immediate ripples through Italian society. Streets in Rome fell quieter. Flags were lowered. Bells tolled across cathedrals. And in a rare show of unity and reverence, Italy’s vibrant sporting calendar was put on hold.

With Easter Monday just around the corner—a day traditionally full of football action—the Italian football authorities moved swiftly. All professional and amateur matches scheduled for April 21 have been suspended, including fixtures in Serie A, Serie B, and Serie C.

The affected top-flight fixtures include:

• Juventus vs Parma

• Genoa vs Lazio

• Torino vs Udinese

• Cagliari vs Fiorentina

New dates for these games have yet to be confirmed.

FIGC President Gravina Pays Tribute

Weston McKennie Juventus 2024-25 Serie A

In an emotional statement, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina summed up the collective feeling of the Italian footballing family.

“Italian football shares with emotion the grief of hundreds of millions of people for the painful passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A great example of Christian charity and dignity in suffering, he always showed himself attentive to the world of sport and to football in particular, which he was passionate about.”

Gravina went on to highlight how Pope Francis—a long-time supporter of San Lorenzo, the Argentine club from his native Buenos Aires—never hid his love for the beautiful game.

“His human closeness, as well as spiritual, to the sick, the poor and the persecuted across the planet was his deepest testimony, a beacon that will illuminate generations to come. He will remain forever in our hearts as faithful and lovers of the game of football.”

Football and Faith: A Deep Connection

In Italy, football is far more than just a sport. It’s part of the national identity, woven into the cultural fabric with threads of passion, family, and, indeed, religion.

So when a figure like Pope Francis passes, especially during a significant religious holiday, it’s not unusual for the game to pause. In fact, a similar precedent was set in 2005, when Pope John Paul II passed away. Then too, the Italian leagues stopped, allowing space for the country to grieve and reflect.

This time is no different. The call to suspend matches was not met with frustration or backlash, but with solemn understanding. Clubs and players across the leagues have paid their respects on social media, with black armbands, moments of silence, and heartfelt tributes expected in upcoming matches once play resumes.

What It Means for the Serie A Run-In

While the respectful tone has been universal, the practical implications of the Serie A fixtures postponed are still to be determined. The league has just five matchdays remaining, and the race for European spots—as well as the relegation fight—is reaching its climax.

Juventus, who have been clinging to a top-four spot after a stuttering run of form, will now have one fewer game in the immediate term to sort out their inconsistencies. Lazio, locked in a mid-table battle with hopes of sneaking into a European place, may be quietly grateful for a few extra days to regroup. Fiorentina, meanwhile, were set to face Cagliari, who are still fighting for survival.

Rescheduling games at this stage of the season is never easy. The calendar is already squeezed, with European fixtures, Coppa Italia ties, and broadcast commitments to navigate. But the Italian authorities have made it clear that some things are bigger than football.

And for most, that rings true.

A Moment to Reflect

Whether you’re a diehard fan of Juventus, a Lazio ultra, or a neutral admirer of Italian football’s flair and history, moments like these remind us that the game, for all its drama and excitement, often takes its cue from the wider world.

Pope Francis, for all his spiritual stature, never lost his common touch. He joked about referees. He praised team spirit. He believed football could be a force for good—a metaphor for life, even. As such, it feels only right that the sport he loved takes a moment to honour his passing.

And when Serie A resumes, it will do so not just with the usual roar of tifosi and the drama of late goals, but with a nod to a man who saw the beauty in both faith and football.