Inter Milan experienced an unusual build-up to their match against Lazio. Initially, the entire team paid a visit to Pope Leo XIV, presenting him with a commemorative jersey. Following this, their fervent supporters, the ultras, decided to join their Lazio counterparts in a protest boycott of the game.
The match is scheduled to commence at the Stadio Olimpico at 17:00 UK time (18:00 CEST).
Interestingly, these two teams are slated to compete again in the same venue on Wednesday, May 13th, for the Coppa Italia Final, making this league encounter a preliminary event for that significant fixture.
As Inter Milan was to be in the Italian capital for an extended period, the club seized the opportunity to uphold a tradition of visiting the Pope for Serie A title-winning teams. Coach Cristian Chivu, President Beppe Marotta, and the entire squad were in attendance this morning. Pope Leo was presented with a special edition Inter jersey bearing his name.
Pope Leo’s Message to Inter
“This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for you all, and I am delighted to share in it,” Pope Leo conveyed. “It is a goal achieved through hard work, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, which you have managed to maintain both in exhilarating moments – such as the last match, which you have already celebrated! – and also in difficult ones, without becoming discouraged or giving up.”
“For this reason, while I congratulate you, I invite you to reflect on the experience you have had, so that, in this moment of success, you may become bearers of a message that is particularly useful for the growth of young people. Many of them, at this time, look to you as their ‘heroes,’ as role models to emulate, and this entrusts you with a responsibility that goes beyond performance and calls upon you, as sportsmen, to be witnesses to values.”
“I would like to emphasize this, because young people today truly need role models, and what you do has an impact, which can be positive or negative, on the lives of the young. And so, I would really like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear.”
“Some 35 years ago, Saint John Paul II spoke of this during a meeting held precisely with some representatives of your club. After recalling its significant role in the history of Italian football, he added, addressing the players and managers: ‘Ensure that many may recognize in you and in your conduct authenticity and integrity that stand the test of time.’”
“These are words that I too would like to repeat to you, while reiterating my congratulations. I cordially bless you and your families, and wish you all the best.”
However, the atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico is expected to be notably subdued. This is due to Inter and Lazio ultras converging outside the stadium for a joint protest.
Lazio supporters have been boycotting home games for several months, expressing their dissatisfaction with President Claudio Lotito and his management of the club. Given the long-standing camaraderie between the two sets of ultras, they opted to unite in boycotting today’s match.
Both fan groups are expected to be present in the stands for the Coppa Italia Final, as they will suspend their protest for that occasion, an event that could potentially transform Lazio’s season.