February 3 – The Genoa derby, one of the most passionate in Italian football, will take place tonight after its original lunchtime kick-off on Sunday was called off when fans threatened to boycott the game in protest of a switch from the traditional afternoon start to accommodate television schedules.
The new kickoff time is likely to be equally unsatisfactory for supporters who complained about football being “television’s doormat”.
“The fans are just wallets to empty and mugs to take liberties with, all with the approval of the football league,” Genoa’s ultras said in a statement.
The Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa is shared by Genoa and Sampdoria and would normally be sold out for a derby match. The stadium holds 36, 700 fans when full. Last season Sampdoria averaged 22,088 for home games and Genoa 19,245.
Genoa go into the Serie A showdown in 11th spot, five points ahead of Sampdoria in 13th.
Genoa President Enrico Preziosi urged the fans to attend the rescheduled tie. “With every respect to the rules, I hope the derby can be played in front of the fans and their excellent choreography,” he said. “We want everyone to understand that this derby is something unique and without the fans it will not be as it has to”.
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