Rome (AFP)
In a dismal but qualified atmosphere: Inter Milan validated its ticket for the knockout stages of the Europa League on Thursday by beating the Bulgarians from Ludogorets 2-1 (go 2-0) in a match disputed behind closed doors at the San Siro stadium due to an epidemic of new coronavirus in Italy.
Inter's goals were scored by Biraghi (32) and Lukaku (45 + 4). Ludogorets, whose players arrived at the stadium wearing masks, opened the scoring by Cauly Oliveira (26th).
The match however started with a few smiles, those of the players of the two teams, amused by the incongruity of the anthem of the Europa League played at full volume in the empty vastness of San Siro.
The result was less cheerful, in the particular atmosphere of matches without spectators other than a few idle stewards.
The Ludogorets players, who had already arrived in Lombardy on Wednesday, all wearing masks and, for some, gloves, surprised the nerazzurri by opening the mark with a nice goal from Cauly Oliveira.
But Inter's reaction was immediate and by scoring two goals before the break, the Italians confirmed their obvious superiority.
From Sunday, Antonio Conte's players will have to relive the experience of a match behind closed doors since the Italian Football League confirmed Thursday that the shock planned for Sunday in Turin against Juventus would also be disputed without spectators.
"The public is a fundamental element of football. Without an audience, emotions are less strong. But there is a very clear decree, valid until Sunday midnight. Playing behind closed doors is imposed on us, but the protection of citizens must take precedence. . We therefore accept, even if it is reluctantly, this decision ", said before the match Giuseppe Marotta, the managing director of Inter.
According to the latest assessment, 650 people tested positive for the new coronavirus in Italy and the disease killed 17 people there.
© 2020 AFP