The Genovese derby between Sampdoria and Genoa on Saturday night was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
After initially delaying kick-off by 15 minutes, referee Gianluca Rocchi emerged again, with the rain still continuing to fall heavily, to try to bounce the ball.
He was unable to do so in several areas of the pitch, leaving him no choice but to call the game off.
Fans inside the Stadio Luigi Ferraris did not appear to realise that the game had been called off until the two sides emerged and went to their respective ends to applaud them.
"I hope the conditions will be better tomorrow because we want to get this game played," said Sampdoria goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano to Sky Sport Italia, suggesting that an attempt may be made to stage the fixture on Sunday.
Heavy rain was forecast to fall in Genoa throughout the night, however, making even Sunday an unlikely alternative date for the 78th Derby della Lanterna.