In a significant development for Italian football, all scheduled league matches on Easter Monday have been officially suspended following the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88. The announcement was made by the Serie A governing body, confirming that football activities across the country will pause in observance of the national mourning period declared in honor of the late pontiff.

This decision affects not only Serie A fixtures but also games in Serie B, Serie C, and the Primavera youth division. Authorities emphasized the importance of unity and respect during this solemn time, noting that football fans and clubs alike are expected to join the nation in mourning the loss of one of the most influential spiritual leaders in modern history.

Among the high-profile fixtures impacted by the suspension are Torino vs Udinese, Cagliari vs Fiorentina, Genoa vs Lazio, and Parma vs Juventus, all part of the crucial 33rd round of the Serie A campaign. These matches were highly anticipated, as clubs battle for crucial points with the season rapidly approaching its climax.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has yet to release an official statement regarding the new dates for these postponed games. However, it has been confirmed that all remaining fixtures, including those affected by this postponement, must be concluded before the league’s final matchday on May 25, 2025. This leaves organizers with a narrow window to accommodate the rescheduling without causing significant disruption to the title race, European qualification spots, and relegation battles.

It’s worth noting that six Serie A matches had already taken place earlier over the Easter weekend. Notable among them were Bologna’s impressive 1-0 victory over Inter and Atalanta’s hard-fought win against AC Milan, results that have added further intrigue to an already tense campaign. These outcomes are likely to have a lasting impact on the league standings as the season’s decisive weeks unfold.

With the season entering its most critical stretch, Serie A now faces a significant logistical challenge. League officials will need to find suitable dates within a congested calendar to stage the postponed games, ensuring fairness and maintaining the competitive integrity of the league. Clubs, players, and supporters await further announcements as Italian football collectively pauses to mourn the passing of Pope Francis.