As a mark of respect for those who perished in the heavy rains that fell overnight from Thursday into Friday in the Marche region, the Italian Football Federation has announced that a moment of silence will be held before every football match that will take place in Italy throughout this weekend.
At least ten people were killed and four others are still missing in this area of the country’s geographic center as a direct result of the heavy rain that led to an abrupt rise in water level.
According to a press statement issued by the Italian Federation, “a minute of meditation will be observed on the occasion of all of the matches of the football championships scheduled for this weekend.” This will be done to respect the memories of those who were lost.
According to president Gabriele Gravina, who was quoted in this press release, “We are a community in joys as well as in sorrows. This is why the minute of silence that we will observe on all of the grounds testifies to the closeness and respect towards those who suffer from the tragedy which fell on the region of Markets.”
Roberto Mancini, the head coach of Italy and a native of the afflicted region, also voiced his solidarity for the victims on his Instagram account, writing “Forza Marche” (Go the Marches). Terrible, terrible news for the victims.”
One week before legislative elections, this tragedy provoked many reactions all around Italy and put climate change back at the center of political discourse.