Pope Francis funeral: Serie A matches postponed as Italian government announces five-day period of mourning

Pope Francis tragically passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, which has shaken the Christian community as a revered figure who served their faith for a long time is now no longer among them. The Italian government has announced a five-day mourning period, which means that a couple of Serie A games scheduled to take place this weekend have now been postponed.

According to ANSA (h/t FC Inter News), who quoted anonymous government sources, the Council of Ministers has decided on a five-day mourning period in memory of the late Pope Francis. Per Nello Musumeci, Minister for Civil Protection, the league will be postponed for Saturday, as the funeral for Pope Francis will be held on the day (April 26) at 10 AM CEST.

Three games — Inter-Roma, Como-Genoa, and Lazio-Parma — were slated to be played on Saturday, April 26. However, all these fixtures have now been moved to Sunday, April 27, as the mourning period will be over by then.

As things stand, Inter and Napoli are leading a two-horse race at the top of the Serie A table. Both teams are currently level on 71 points, with the Nerazzurri occupying top spot because of a higher goal difference.