Minute’s Silence for Algo Agroppi to Be Observed Only in Italy, Not in Riyadh

MILAN: A minute’s silence in memory of Algo Agroppi, the former Serie A midfielder and coach who passed away at the age of 80, will be observed only in Italy and not during the Italian Super Cup match in Riyadh on Thursday night.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Serie A league announced that the decision was made to honor Agroppi’s memory while avoiding potential discord at the stadium in Riyadh. Observing a minute’s silence for the deceased is not a customary practice in Riyadh and is considered offensive, which could lead to negative reactions from the audience.

The league’s decision comes in the wake of previous incidents during the Super Cup. A year ago, during the final match of the Super Cup, a minute’s silence for Italy legend Gigi Riva, who died at 79, was met with boos in Riyadh. Similarly, a tribute for Franz Beckenbauer was also opposed by the public during a Spanish Super Cup semifinal match between Real Madrid and Atletico, held in the same city.

The Italian Super Cup match between Inter and Atalanta is set to kick off the final four in Saudi Arabia, with the league emphasizing the importance of respecting local customs while commemorating Agroppi’s contributions to the sport within Italy.