Italy's sports minister warns of 'increasingly narrow path' for Serie A return

Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora warned Wednesday that Italy may have to follow France and Nerlands and call an end to ir football and sports seasons because of coronavirus pandemic. "I see an increasingly narrow path for resumption of championship. If I were a president of a football club, I would especially think of organising myself to safely resume next championship which will start at end of August," Spadafora told Italian television channel La 7. " decisions being taken by or countries, like France yesterday, could push Italy to follow this line too, which would n become a European line," he added.

Italy's sports minister warns of 'increasingly narrow path'

In France, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe anunced Tuesday that professional football, rugby and or sports cant resume until end of summer, although his sports minister later told AFP it was possible games could be played behind closed doors in August. Dutch football federation called an end to 2019-2020 season last week.

"I think next meeting of Lega Serie A may hold a surprise," continued Spadafora, with Italy's top flight clubs holding an emergency general assembly on Friday.

" majority of clubs could ask us to suspend this season and prepare for next championship as best possible." 

Italian championship was put on hold on March 9 because of virus which has killed over 27,000 lives in country. government has allowed individual athletes to resume training but team sports, including football, must wait until at least May 18. "At latest within this week, technical-scientific committee will tell us if medical protocol is feasible or t," Minister added. "Within three days at most we can say if Serie A can start training again on May 18. "re is doubt that if we were to resume championship, matches will be played behind closed doors." 

Im credits: AP