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Lega Calcio chief Antonio Matarrese has confirmed that the 2006-07 season will start on September 9 despite Juventus’ appeal to the civil courts.

“The new season is scheduled to start on the weekend of September 9 and 10 and that is what we can confirm,” said Matarrese.

“I can not make any forecast and I don’t know what will happen, but at this moment in time I can guarantee that the Serie A and Serie B fixtures for the new season remain set to be drawn up in Rome on August 30.

“I understand that Juventus are living a very dramatic moment in their history and I respect them, but we also have to respect all the other teams.”

Juventus decided to appeal to the TAR Lazio in an attempt to regain their top-flight status on Monday, after the conciliation meeting with the Italian Football Federation on Friday failed to reduce their Calciopoli punishments.

The Bianconeri will now be called to appear in front of the TAR on September 6 which has cast doubt on the start of the campaign.

Should the Italian giants be reinstated to Serie A, the court could potentially block the new season’s kick off.

TAR President Pasquale De Lise stated that the option of an extra hearing in August is being considered to specifically discuss Juve’s case and to avoid any further delays.

“We cannot exclude that there will be a special hearing in August, but it’s too early now to set a date,” said De Lise.

“There is a hearing scheduled for August 22 and we now have to see if we can add another one, respecting all the claimants and the correct procedures.”


Football Italia