Lega Serie A for peace

Immediately after the conflict in Ukraine began Lega Serie A and its twenty member clubs took action to help with initiatives to support the country’s civilian population which has been severely affected by the ongoing events.

Starting from Matchday 31 of the 2021/2022 Serie A TIM, all captains will take the pitch wearing an armband with emblazoned with the word ‘PEACE’ to send an anti-war message around the world. Additionally, ‘PEACE’ will regularly appear as a message on TV graphics in each Serie A match.

In the lead-up to kick-off in Serie A Matchday 31’s big match Juventus v Inter there will be a performance by Italian-Brazilian songwriter Gaia and Ukrainian singer Kateryna Pavelenko, who fronts the group Go_A. They’ll be singing ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon in front of the teams on the field and the fans on the stands. 

Lorenzo Casini, president of Lega Serie A, gave his thoughts on the event.

“I’d like to thank the clubs for what they’ve been doing for the Ukrainian people and their efforts in promoting peace. Thanks as well to Juventus and Inter for having warmly embraced Lega’s suggestion of Sunday night’s event, as well as DAZN for being equally enthusiastic.

“I selected the song ‘Imagine’ because it’s a universal ode to hope which transcends people groups; a song which children are taught about in school because it exudes the values of peace, brotherhood, and tolerance.

“Music emotionally connects with people in ways which other art forms can't. We hope that this message of peace will reach the whole world and remind us of the fundamental principles of sport.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to the two artists involved, Gaia and Kateryna, for having gladly accepted our invitation. Kateryna is coming here straight from Ukraine and we hope she gets to stay in Italy for a decent amount of time. We’re also grateful for the hospitality shown by the city of Milan and the involvement of Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Councillor for Culture Tomasso Sacchi.

“We’re also hugely thankful to the president of the SIAE, Mogol, for having got on board with the initiative right away and Sony Music Publishing’s Roberto Razzini (Managing Director) and Paola Balestrazzi (A&R Director), for their artistic and operational coordination. 

“We’re delighted that the mascots will also be back involved to walk onto the pitch with the teams in all matches from hopefully now until the end of the season.”