The Malta Independent 26 July 2026, Sunday
View E-Paper

Lazio, Genoa risk having points deducted; Napoli get two points back

Malta Independent Thursday, 17 January 2013, 19:56 Last update: about 13 years ago

 

Lazio and Genoa could see their Scudetto ambitions and top-flight survival battle being hit after their alleged involvement in match-fixing. The courts are continuing to examine Lazio's 4-2 win over Genoa in May 2011, and also their victory over Lecce by the same scoreline later that month. Magistrates in Cremona have asked for the case to be extended until the end of the season, which could mean the capital club and the Grifone are at risk of being deducted points. The Biancocelesti may be deducted five points from this season's points total, while Genoa could also be slashed points at the end of the current campaign. Vladimir Petkovic's men are only three points behind leaders Juventus in Serie A. The Rossoblu meanwhile are languishing in 18th place in Italy's top-flight. Lecce, who are second in the Lega Pro Prima Divisione, could have their promotion credentials dented if they are also found guilty of match-fixing. Italy's football federation has rescinded a two-point penalty given to Napoli for match-fixing and lifted bans imposed on captain Paolo Cannavaro and defender Gianluca Grava. Following an appeal, the federation's internal court overturned the punishments handed out by its disciplinary commission. Napoli was penalized in December after its former goalkeeper, Matteo Gianello, confessed to attempting to fix the result of a game in May, 2010. Cannavaro and Grava were each banned for six months for failing to report the fix. As a result of Thursday's ruling, Napoli moved level in the standings with second-place Lazio on 42 points, three behind leader and defending champion Juventus. It boosts Napoli's chances of winning the Serie A for the first time since Diego Maradona led the team to titles in 1987 and 1990.
  • don't miss