“Disrespect” – De Laurentiis Keen to Change Napoli-Lazio Time Slot

Napoli and Lazio will lock horns next weekend, but Aurelio De Laurentiis is irritated by the early kickoff, and is thus trying to find a new time slot.

Napoli vs Lazio Will Be Played on November 8 (12:30 CET)

At the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the Partenopei will entertain the Italian capital side in the biggest fixture of Serie A matchday 11. However, the Lega Serie A surprisingly decided to place the big clash on Sunday’s early kickoff (12:30 CET).

Aurelio De Laurentiis Objects to Early Kickoff

According to La Repubblica (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Napoli president De Laurentiis expressed his irritation with the inconvenient timing, considering it a ‘disrespect’ to his club and football fans in general. It will also force his team to change their pre-match routine, as they will have to camp in on the evening of the game.

Lazio vs Cagliari | Where to Watch, Insights, Lineups & Prediction

Therefore, the Partenopei patron is determined to change the time slot and is gunning for an evening game. For now, the game is still set for the early kickoff, but it remains to be seen whether the movie mogul will succeed in his mission.

Serie A Clubs Seldom Want Early Sunday Kickoff

The Sunday lunchtime kickoff is the most unpopular time slot for both players and matchgoers. Last season, both Derby della Capitale fixtures were given an early time slot, much to Maurizio Sarri’s dismay, who complained about the hot temperatures at the time (in mid-September and May). He even threatened to boycott the return fixture, but eventually attended.

Curiously, the first edition of this season’s Roma Derby will also be played at 12:30 CET. But since the game is scheduled for December 13, at least the players won’t have to worry about the heat this time.