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As football fans around the world revel in the festive spirit, many are left wondering why Serie A, Italy’s top football league, does not hold matches on Boxing Day. This year, as in recent years, December 26 remains devoid of Serie A action, a decision steeped in cultural significance and historical precedent.
St. Stephen’s Day: The cultural context
December 26 is celebrated as St. Stephen’s Day in Italy, a national holiday dedicated to family gatherings and rest. This day holds great importance in Italian culture, much like Christmas itself. While many European countries embrace Boxing Day as an opportunity for football fans to enjoy matches post-Christmas, Italy prioritizes family time during this period.
The cultural emphasis on spending the holiday with loved ones significantly influences the decision to refrain from scheduling matches on this day.
Historical attempts at Boxing Day matches
Serie A has not always shied away from playing during the festive season. The league experimented with Boxing Day fixtures during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. Notably, a Coppa Italia quarter-final between Lazio and Fiorentina took place on December 26, 2017. The following season saw several Serie A matches scheduled for Boxing Day, including Frosinone vs. Milan and Inter vs. Napoli. Despite these attempts attracting higher-than-average attendance and viewership, the league ultimately reverted to its traditional holiday break format.
The brief return of matches during this festive period highlighted both the potential for increased engagement and the challenges faced by Italian football. Incidents of fan violence marred some of these matches, raising concerns about safety and security at stadiums during sensitive times. Such incidents prompted Serie A officials to reconsider the viability of continuing this practice.
Cultural priorities over commercialization
The decision to avoid Boxing Day matches reflects a broader cultural attitude within Italian football that values family time during holidays over commercial interests. Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has expressed disappointment over the absence of Boxing Day fixtures, emphasizing that playing at Christmas offers families a chance to enjoy football together.
However, despite these sentiments, the Lega Calcio has shown little interest in adopting a schedule similar to that of the English Premier League.
The role of fan culture
Italian football’s relationship with fan culture is complex. While passionate support is a hallmark of Serie A, incidents of violence have historically influenced decisions regarding match scheduling. The attempts to introduce Boxing Day fixtures were met with significant unrest among certain ultra groups, leading to violent confrontations outside stadiums. These events underscored the risks associated with playing during festive periods and contributed to the league’s decision to maintain its traditional calendar.
Serie B: Embracing Boxing Day
Interestingly, while Serie A has opted out of Boxing Day matches, Serie B has embraced this opportunity by scheduling its own festive fixtures. This decision has proven successful, drawing significant crowds and generating excitement among fans. For instance, recent Serie B matches have attracted over 50,000 spectators, showcasing the demand for football during this holiday season.
The contrasting approaches between Serie A and Serie B highlight a unique aspect of Italian football culture. While Serie A remains rooted in tradition and family values during holidays, Serie B has capitalized on opportunities to engage fans during festive periods.
Looking ahead: Future fixtures
Serie A will resume its regular schedule shortly after the holiday period, with a full round of fixtures planned between December 28 and December 30, 2024. Matches will include Parma vs. Monza and Empoli vs. Genoa on December 28, followed by Cagliari vs. Inter and Lazio vs. Atalanta later that day. This approach allows fans to look forward to competitive action while respecting the cultural significance of St. Stephen’s Day.
The absence of Serie A matches on Boxing Day is a reflection of Italy’s cultural values surrounding family time during the holidays. While other leagues have successfully integrated festive football into their calendars, Italian football remains committed to preserving its traditions. As fans anticipate the return of Serie A action later this week, they can appreciate the unique approach that sets Italian football apart from its European counterparts.
