Lazio vs Empoli Opening Match May Be Played At Artemio Franchi

Lazio's opening match in the 2021/22 Serie A season against Empoli is reportedly likely to be played at Fiorentina's Stadio Artemio Franchi on Saturday (21/08) evening local time.

According to the news reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport on Tuesday (17/08) local time revealed that Empoli's Stadio Carlo Castellani stadium was under renovation in several sectors this summer, forcing Empoli to play the opening match of the Coppa Italia against Vicenza behind closed doors.

The Azzuri are hoping to get the green light to allow fans to attend live matches ahead of the start of the season, but the possibility of playing their opener against Lazio at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence has yet to be ruled out.

While the club based in Tuscan has not released any information regarding ticket sales for the match but there is hope that the Stadio Carlo Castellani can accommodate 1500 Biancoceleste fans which is half of its full capacity.

Maurizio Sarri's team will face Aurelio Andreazolli's team on Saturday (21/08) evening local time, while the next match is a home match against Spezia which will take place at the Stadio Olimpico on the evening of August 28 local time.

According to regulations implemented by the Italian government, only 1500 of the 3000 tickets are available for fans of The Aquile.  This is because the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing and precautions must be put in place to ensure the safety of fans, staff, and players.

However, approval still has to be given by the home team which will be followed by a statement from Empoli.  Their fans can enter the stadium by showing a green card or a negative Covid-19 test result in at least the last 48 to 72 hours or a health certification.