In a bid to maintain the integrity of the competition, Serie A has announced that nine matches in the penultimate round of the 2024-25 season will kick off simultaneously.

This new schedule aims to prevent any potential conflicts of interest as the league approaches its conclusion, with battles for the Scudetto, Champions League qualification, and relegation survival all still in play.

All matches, except for Genoa vs. Atalanta, are set to commence at 19:45 BST on Sunday, May 18. The exception, Genoa vs. Atalanta, will take place on Saturday, May 17, at 19:45 BST, as it holds no bearing on the title race, European spots, or relegation battle.

This synchronized kickoff approach ensures that teams competing for similar objectives play under the same conditions, minimizing the risk of undue advantage or manipulation. It’s a practice commonly adopted in the final rounds of league competitions to maintain fairness and competitiveness across the board.

Currently, the title race is intensely contested, with Napoli and Inter Milan separated by a mere point. A draw in points could lead to a playoff to determine the champion, adding more drama to the season’s conclusion.

The battle for the final Champions League spot is equally hot, with Juventus and Lazio both on 64 points, Roma trailing closely with 63, Bologna at 62, and Fiorentina still in contention with 59 points.

At the bottom of the table, the fight to avoid relegation remains unresolved. While Monza has already been relegated, teams like Empoli, Lecce, Venezia, Parma, Verona, and Cagliari are all within six points of the drop zone, making every match crucial.

By aligning the kickoff times, Serie A aims to preserve the competitive balance and ensure that all teams face their final challenges on an even playing field. This decision underscores the league’s commitment to fairness and the integrity of the sport as the season reaches its dramatic finale.