Juventus fans, Ivan Zazzaroni doesn’t mince words: “A whole new level of stupidity”
Ivan Zazzaroni is also extremely critical of the Juventus fans who, before the start of the match against Atalanta, decided to turn their backs on the field during the minute of silence in honor of Sandro Mazzola. “Why? Why did they turn their backs during the minute of silence for Sandro Mazzola, a champion who, moreover, was never particularly divisive during his lifetime? Mocking the dead (of others) is a whole new level of stupidity,” reads a scathing post by the journalist on his Instagram profile.
“There’s no acceptable explanation, not even if it were a response to the ‘enemy’ fan section,” Zazzaroni added. “I don’t get it, and I’m glad I don’t. In the face of shameful acts like this, the legacy of the deceased—of a champion—becomes truly immense, immeasurable.”
In his post, Zazzaroni also included the statement in which Juventus commented on the incident: “No rivalry can justify a lack of respect during a minute of silence. Honoring the memory and coming together in remembrance during moments of commemoration is a shared responsibility that transcends allegiances and team colors.”
The scene unfolded before kickoff at Allianz Stadium, when some Juventus ultras turned their backs on the field while chanting in honor of Gaetano Scirea, Andrea Fortunato, and Gianni Agnelli—three figures inextricably linked to Juventus’ history. Applause erupted from other sections of the stadium in an attempt to drown out the chants, but they remained clearly audible during the minute dedicated to the Inter and Italian national team legend, who passed away Saturday at the age of 83.
Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri also weighed in on the incident: “It gave me a bad feeling,” admitted the Atalanta coach. “Perhaps it stems from a generation that doesn’t realize what Mazzola accomplished, regardless of the jersey he wore. Even though he always played for other teams, paying tribute to someone like him is the least we can do.” These words add to the chorus of outrage surrounding a gesture that overshadowed—at least in terms of public perception—Juventus’s 2-0 victory in the Serie A match.
The incident also sparked immediate reactions on social media. Among the harshest voices was that of Lucrezia Capuano, a well-known Inter fan and influencer with a hugely popular Facebook page: “Seeing even women do all this makes me deeply ashamed that they belong to the same gender as me. I repeat: these people must be identified and must never set foot in a stadium again. They’re chanting Scirea’s name—a true gentleman whom they aren’t even worthy of mentioning. 1,000 Sandrinos and 1,000 Scireas for life. Respect comes first.”
