Juventus: Fans in the Crosshairs—Luciano Spalletti Weighs In, Too
Luciano Spalletti also spoke out about the decision by some Juventus fans who, before the start of the match against Atalanta, turned their backs during the minute of silence in honor of Sandro Mazzola, who had just passed away. The Juventus coach also recalled the legendary Inter captain, whom he had the opportunity to meet in person during his time as coach of the Nerazzurri.
“Things like that shouldn’t be done; we need respect and sportsmanship,” Spalletti said during the post-match press conference following Juventus vs. Atalanta. Legends of our soccer like Mazzola, Scirea, and Baresi are people of such dignity and such sporting and human values that we can all learn from them. We’ve learned wonderful lessons from their professionalism and their unwavering commitment. I met Mazzola when I arrived at Inter, on one of my first days there. He came over to hug me and expressed his support for the role I was taking on. He gave me a huge helping hand, and I’ll always carry that moment in my heart.”
The incident that outraged Spalletti took place 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. Applause erupted from other sections of the stadium in an attempt to drown out the chants, but they remained clearly audible during the minute of silence dedicated to the Inter and Italian national team legend, who passed away Saturday at the age of 83.
Juventus itself distanced itself from the behavior of a portion of its fan base with an official statement titled “Respect and Sportsmanship”: “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.” These strong words demonstrate how the Bianconeri club sought to clearly distance itself from a gesture destined to spark prolonged debate.
Maurizio Sarri, Atalanta’s head coach, 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 surrounding a gesture that overshadowed—at least in terms of public perception—Juventus’s 2-0 victory in the Serie A match.
On the media front, Ivan Zazzaroni’s judgment was also extremely harsh; 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 deceased (of others) takes stupidity to a whole new level.” The journalist then added: “There’s no acceptable explanation, not even if it were meant as 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—of a champion—becomes truly immense, immeasurable.”
