Juventus vs Inter Among Serie A Matches to Be Played Behind Closed Doors Amid Coronavirus Fears

Juventus’ crucial clash with Inter is one of six Serie A games that will be played behind closed doors this weekend, with the coronavirus continuing to affect Italy.

There have already been more than 160 confirmed cases in the country so far, making it the worst affected European country. As a result, precautionary measures are being taken to prevent further outbreaks. 

​Inter’s clash with Sampdoria ​was among three Serie A matches to have been postponed due to health and safety concerns, while it has ​also been confirmed that the club’s Europa League last 32 second leg tie against Ludogorets Razgrad will now be played behind closed doors.

However, further measures are now being taken with Italy’s Minister of Sports Vincenzo Spadafora confirming that six league games on matchday 26 played in the areas affected by the coronavirus will go ahead without spectators in the stadium. 

These matches are: Udinese vs Fiorentina, Milan vs Genoa, Parma vs SPAL, Sassuolo vs Brescia, ​Juventus vs Inter and Sampdoria vs Hellas Verona.

“Measures are already in force, that prohibit any events until next Sunday,” Spadafora told Tg2, as quoted by ​Football Italia. 

“Initially for Lombardy, Veneto and Piedmont. Now we have also extended to Friuli Venezia Giulia, Emilia Romagna and Liguria. In these regions, the prohibition of sporting events remains, for some events we have given the availability to carry them out behind closed doors.”

The Minister for Sport revealed that the rest of the fixtures across the country will go as planned.

Following the news, Gazzetta dello Sport (via ​Around Turin) report that Juventus – who have made more than €3m from ticket sales for the upcoming clash with Inter – will not be refunding ticket sales. 

According to @Gazzetta_it Juventus will not refund the tickets for Juve-Inter (>3M€ in total). This is in accordance to their current rules which is however already under investigation by the Antitrust authority.
Milan already announced that tickets will be reimbursed. pic.twitter.com/mxwo728adC

— Around Turin (@AroundTurin) February 25, 2020

Apparently, the decision is in accordance with their current rules. In contrast, Inter have announced that tickets will be reimbursed. 

Juventus currently sit one point clear of second-placed Lazio and a further five points clear of Inter, while Antonio Conte’s men do have a game in hand. 

Let’