Italian press slam ‘fudged’ appeals

THE Italian press yesterday slammed magistrates in Serie A’s match-fixing trial for their dramatic climbdown which saw Lazio and Fiorentina reinstated in the top division and AC Milan allowed into the third preliminary round of the Champions League.

The three clubs received softer penalties after successful appeals against their original sentences for influencing the outcome of match results in the 2004/05 season. Juventus, the ringleaders in the scandal, had their relegation to Serie B confirmed but with fewer points deducted for the new season.

“A rotten trick,” headlined Il Libero newspaper. “The usual fudged Italian compromise. This isn’t justice. Once again the magistrates have chosen the ‘Italian’ solution.”