Players, fans and managers paid tribute to the late Pope Francis at the resumption of Serie A action after his passing on Easter Monday morning.
Wednesday night saw the return of top flight action in Italy after matches had been postponed following the sad news.
The first-ever Latin American pontiff died at the age of 88, it was confirmed by the Vatican on Monday.
There were four Serie A games scheduled for Monday, but they were subsequently postponed as a mark of respect.
And fans were able to pay tribute up and down the country. At the Milan derby, players stood either side of the centre circle with their arms around each other before kick off.
An image of the late Pope was put on the big screen to much applause by supporters before classical music was played over the speakers for a brief time of reflection.
The players of the respective sides linked arms in the centre circle while the lights were down
The late Pope Francis was at the forefront of the minds of fans in Italy at matches rescheduled
Earlier in the day there were similar scenes around Italy. At Juventus’ match against Parma, a giant image was displayed of Pope Francis behind supporters in the stands.
Silence was respected at Genoa’s game against Lazio and there was also a solemn scene in Sardinia prior to Cagliari’s clash with Fiorentina.
Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, Roman Catholic cardinals decided on Tuesday, and the ceremony will be attended by several world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Other funeral arrangements will be confirmed over the coming days.
Meanwhile, in a statement released shortly following the Pope’s death on Monday, Serie A had said: ‘Following the passing of the Holy Father, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A announces that the matches scheduled for today of the Serie A Enilive and Primavera 1 Championships are postponed to a date to be determined.’
After the announcement of his passing, bells tolled in church towers across Rome. His death was read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.
‘At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,’ he said.
‘He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.’
