Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced that football may return to Italy in May.
The effect of Coronavirus is large in Italy. However, the declining number of cases and fatality in the last few weeks has given the government encouragement to restart football with caution.
“From May 4 onwards, professional athletes and those of national interest will be able to train while following social distancing rules behind closed doors,” Conte signaled to a press conference held on Sunday.
“We are not yet in a position to restore full freedom of movement, but we are studying a relaxation of the current, strict regime,” Conte said in an interview with La Repubblica.
There will be no shortage of checks and safety measures as Sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora nothing is yet guaranteed.
“We’ll resume training for team sports from May 18, but only if the conditions of safety and security can be confirmed over the next few weeks”
“I don’t wish to penalise or slow down the resumption of football, but I have to say we’ll see because there need to be rigid and certain protocols in place on the safety of the athletes,” he said.
“The FIGC (Italian football federation) presented a protocol last night and the scientific commitee considered it insufficent, so it needs adjustments. Only from that moment, when the protocol is agreed, can we decide whether or not to restart football.
“Many leagues around Europe have terminated their seasons early, but Serie A is not inclined towards suspending the season or even training. We are receiving very strong pressure to resume.
“We realise that the world of football deserves respect and support, as it is one of the largest economic resources in the country.”
