Italian season in limbo with new wave of positive coronavirus tests

The destiny of the Serie A championship remained in limbo after state scientists met with soccer bosses in a determined effort to avoid wasting the coronavirus-interrupted season threatened by a brand new wave of positive assessments amongst gamers. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) huddled with the federal government’s technical scientific committee to debate particulars of the medical protocol for a possible return to group coaching. The talks got here with strain mounting from sports-deprived followers and sponsors for Italy to observe the German Bundesliga’s lead and return to motion.

Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora mentioned after the assembly on Thursday he was “hopeful” workforce coaching may resume on May 18. “There has been a very important, very in-depth meeting, with many requests from doctors and scientists to the FIGC,” Spadafora mentioned on Facebook.

“Now the committee, on the basis of these insights, will draw up its own assessment which will be sent to the Ministry of Health.” FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has proven an iron will to avoid wasting the season and keep away from “the death of Italian football”.

But time is operating out for Serie A which started to descend into chaos on the finish of February as the brand new coronavirus swept throughout Italy’s north — house to large groups reminiscent of Inter Milan and Juventus. The league finally threw up its arms and suspended the championship on March 9.

Fewer than 500 folks had then died of the virus and the league hoped to kick off once more by early April. Italy’s official toll now stands at virtually 30,000. Top golf equipment in Italy have begun testing gamers and workers as they put together to return to coaching amenities this week for particular person periods.

However, eight gamers have examined positive thus far this week with 4 from Sampdoria, together with one who had beforehand recovered, three from Fiorentina and one at Torino. Fiorentina revealed three of the membership’s workers had additionally examined positive for the virus.

Cristiano Ronaldo must observe a 14-day quarantine after returning to Italy from almost two months of confinement in Portugal. His Juventus teammate Paulo Dybala has been given the all-clear after first testing positive for the virus collectively along with his girlfriend.

– ‘Desperate measures’ –

Media stories mentioned the dialogue may run on into the weekend as the edges attempt to determine correct virus testing procedures and the logistics of journey by way of contagion zones. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte — the primary Western chief to impose a nationwide lockdown to beat back the pandemic in March — could have the ultimate say. But Conte has erred on the aspect of warning all through the disaster. He upset many on the finish of April by delaying an anticipated announcement on when matches can resume.

Former Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio warned that Italy’s prime three leagues confronted the specter of lawsuits if their seasons had been referred to as off. Serie C golf equipment on Thursday agreed to terminate the season, selling Monza, Vicenza, Reggina and Carpi to Serie B, whereas there shall be no relegations.

“If the championship is not finished, the rules of FIFA and UEFA will not be respected and there will be a lot of litigation, with losses not only for Serie A but also Series B and Serie C,” Tavecchio mentioned. The former soccer govt mentioned the “Italian system will default” except the variety of groups is straight away diminished.

“Football must be rescued through desperate measures,” Tavecchio mentioned.