Pre-match Press Conference Canceled After Portuguese Team Arrives at Capodichino Near Midnight
Sporting`s much-anticipated trip to Naples began with significant disruption. The Portuguese team experienced a substantial delay departing from Lisbon, where their flight, originally scheduled for 2:55 PM, was unable to take off due to an aircraft engine malfunction. Further air traffic issues and other unforeseen holdups meant the plane finally departed late in the evening, eventually landing in Naples around midnight.
Initially, an even later departure was anticipated, leading to consideration of Ciampino Airport as an alternative arrival point. This was due to Capodichino Airport`s typical restrictions on landings after 00:30, implemented for noise abatement reasons. However, special permission was ultimately granted for their extraordinary late arrival at Naples. As a direct consequence of these extensive travel disruptions, Rui Borges` pre-match press conference, which was originally slated for 7:45 PM at the Maradona stadium, had to be canceled.
Potential Youth League Match Postponement Also Under Consideration
The technical issue responsible for the delay was attributed to Hi Fly, the airline operating the flight. Reports indicated that the same aircraft had previously experienced a problem on an earlier journey. This unfortunate incident could also have repercussions for the Youth League match, which is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Since the Under-19 squad is traveling together with the senior team, they might also be affected by these widespread delays, potentially leading to a postponement of their game.
