Serie A has announced that the 2020-2021 season will begin on September 12, decision that has upset Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
With five Serie A teams still involved in Champions League and the Europa League, there is a possibility that at least one Italian team will play its last game of the 2019-2020 season on August 23.
De Laurentiis feels that having a potential pre-season of only three weeks is not long enough and he feels that the 2020-21 season should start on October 4 instead.
“The somewhat crazy approach of the Lega was to start again on September 12,” De Laurentiis said at a press conference.
“But if need to rest the players, prepare for the season and in the meantime there’s also the break for the national teams, how do you train?
“It’s true that everyone doesn’t has to play in Europe this August. In my opinion, Serie A should start again towards the end of September, I would even say October 4.”
The start of the pre-season retreat will hinge on the outcome of their Champions League match against Barcelona on August 8, depending on their journey in the competition.
“If we were to get eliminated, after giving 12 days of rest to the players, we will go to Castel di Sangro on August 20.
“If we advance, we must postpone the retreat, always taking into account the 12 days of rest for the players after the finished championship.”
In addition to the short pre-season, the transfer window will be open through the European competitions and then into the new season making it difficult to sign new players this summer and get them integrated into your squad for next season.
