(ANSA) - Piacenza, February 18 - A third-tier soccer match
ended up 20-0 as the losing side fielded just seven teenage
academy players amid financial woes - and was expelled from the
League on Monday.
"It's an unprecedented disgrace," said Sports Undersecretary
Giancarlo Giorgetti after Pro Piacenza's 16 to 19 year olds lost
at Cuneo, without a coach and with a masseur coming on as a
substitute at one point.
The club has no senior players or coaches left after being
unable to pay their wages for months.
Sunday's game came after their opponents were awarded three
matches in a row because of their inability to field a team.
Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina
said "this will be the last farce".
Soccer authorities on Monday ejected Pro Piacenza from the
third division Lega Pro.
photo: Gravina
Soccer match ends 20-0
Pro Piacenza field just 7 academy teens amid financial woes