COVID-19: Italian Serie A clubs vote to continue season, await govt’s permission

The 20 clubs in the Italian Serie A have unanimously agreed to not end the 2019-20 season without concluding it because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The news was confirmed via a conference call on Friday.

Juventus are currently top of the Italian topflight above Lazio with just one point after 26 games played.

Unlike the French Ligue 1, the Dutch Eredivisie and the Belgian League which have all ended, the Italian league wants to wrap the season up by playing the remaining matches.

There had been reports of some clubs being against restarting the season as Italy was one of the worst hit countries in Europe by coronavirus.

But an agreement has now been reached between representatives of the teams and the Italian football federation (FIGC).

Read Also: ‘Heroes on the front line’ – PSG dedicate Ligue 1 title to healthcare workers

However, the agreement by clubs is one thing while whether or not the Italian government will permit it amid the pandemic is another thing.

Serie A president Paolo Dal Pino said: “Of course we want to play football, it would be against nature to say otherwise.

“Those who have a profession would always like to continue to do it, if it will be possible while respecting health standards and protocols.

“We will strictly adhere to government advice, as we have always done.

“They can be sure of our constructive and collaborative spirit and that my harmony with [president of the FIGC Gabriele] Gravina is absolute.”

The tentative date for clubs to resume training is May 18, while the resumption of football in Italy is proposed for June.

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