Mazzola: Juventus Responds Harshly: “No rivalry can justify this”
In a message titled “Respect and Sportsmanship,” Juventus openly condemned the shocking behavior of a large group of Bianconeri fans who, while a minute of silence was being observed in memory of Sandro Mazzola, a star of Inter and the national team, could think of nothing better to do than turn their backs on the field—where the match against Atalanta was set to begin shortly afterward—and chant in honor of Gaetano Scirea, Andrea Fortunato, and Gianni Agnelli, three figures inextricably linked to the history of Juventus.
“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 Piedmont-based club stated.
The incident took place before kickoff at Allianz Stadium, when some Juventus ultras turned their backs on the field. Scirea, a legendary Juventus captain, died on September 3, 1989, at just 36 years old, in a car accident, while Fortunato passed away at age 23 from leukemia. Applause erupted from other sections of the stadium in an attempt to drown out the chants, which, however, remained clearly audible during the minute of silence dedicated to the Inter and Italian national team legend, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 83.
Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri also weighed in on the incident: “I had a bad feeling about it. 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 join the chorus of outrage sparked by a gesture that overshadowed—at least in terms of public perception—Juventus’s 2-0 victory in the Serie A match.
Ivan Zazzaroni’s judgment was also scathing; on his Instagram profile, he didn’t mince words: “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? Disrespecting the dead (of others) takes stupidity to a whole new level.” The journalist then added: “There is no acceptable explanation, not even if it were a response to the ‘enemy’ fan section. I can’t wrap my head around it, and I’m glad I can’t. In the face of shameful gestures like this, the legacy of the deceased—a champion—becomes truly immense, immeasurable.”
The incident sparked immediate reactions on social media as well. Among the harshest voices was that of Lucrezia Capuano, a well-known Inter fan and influencer with a hugely popular Facebook page, who called for explicit action: “Seeing even women doing all this makes me deeply ashamed that they belong to my own gender. 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.”
