Juventus player Rugani tests positive for coronavirus

Italian soccer club Juventus anunced Wednesday that one of its players, defender Daniele Rugani, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Rugani, who also plays for Italian national team, is first player in country’s top soccer division to test positive for disease, which is caused by new coronavirus.

Juventus, which has won last eight Serie A titles, anunced result on its website and social media channels.

club said Rugani and “those who have had contact with him” are being isolated. It also said Rugani is t showing any symptoms of disease.

Juventus trained earlier on Wednesday, although it was unclear wher Rugani was present. club had said earlier that forward Cristia Ronaldo was still in Portugal “pending developments related to current health emergency” after visiting his mor — who had a stroke last week.

outbreak of virus has led to a nationwide lockdown in Italy, where soccer and all or sports have been suspended until April 3. However, Juventus is scheduled to play French club Lyon at home in Champions League on Tuesday.

Rugani was an unused substitute in team’s last game, at home against Inter Milan last Sunday. That match was played in an empty stadium in line with a government decree before measures became even more strict in Italy.

Rugani was also on substitutes’ bench for first leg of round-of-16 Champions League game against Lyon on Feb. 26. He last started a match against Spal on Feb. 22.

Italy’s number of virus cases soared again on Wednesday, to 12,462 infections and 827 deaths — numbers second only to China.

Juventus’ under-23 squad recently had to self-quarantine after a member from an opposing team tested positive for virus. That quarantine ended March 9, with ne of players showing symptoms.

For most people, new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

vast majority of people recover from new virus. According to WHO, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks. Those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

Juventus currently leads Serie A by one point over Lazio as it bids for a ninth straight title