Serie A will learn the fate of the Italian season on Thursday with a government decision awaited on whether football can resume after three months in a country hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora will hold a video conference at 6:30pm (1630GMT) with representatives of Italian football including federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina and Lega Serie A chief Paolo Dal Pino.

Italian football bosses are hopeful that Italy can follow the German Bundesliga, which has already returned to the pitch, and Spain's La Liga which prepares to kick off again on June 8.

The season has been on hold since March 9 when it was halted as coronavirus infections spread rapidly in Italy. The pandemic has killed more than 33,000 people in the country.

Opposition has been particularly strong in Lombardy, the region most affected by the epidemic with nearly 16,000 deaths alone, and where four Serie A clubs play: Inter Milan, AC Milan, Atalanta and Brescia.&nbsp;

But there are strong indications that Spadafora, who just a month ago said he was "very skeptical" about the possibility of a return, will finally give the green light.

Italy have started to ease their strict lockdown measures and the daily figures have been reassuring, even if the virus is still circulating, especially in Lombardy.

The prospect of seeing Juventus and Lazio compete for the title has become acceptable again.

Italian football bosses want competition to resume on June 13, with the possibility of starting with Italian Cup semi-finals, followed by a full return to competition on June 20.

The worst-case scenario would be a government refusal to return to action which, like in France, would signal the end of the season.

But even in the event of a government green light on Thursday, the football world will have to complete the health protocol applicable for competition.&nbsp;

<h2>- Thorny quarantine dilemma&nbsp;-</h2>

Many issues remain to be resolved including match schedules, players' contracts which end on June 30 and unpaid TV rights by broadcasters.

But the thorniest remains the two-week quarantine period in the case of a positive test.

Bologna on Wednesday announced a "suspicious case" among one of their coaching staff.&nbsp;

Pending final results, the team have returned to individual training.&nbsp;

Above all, players and staff members must, if the positive test is confirmed, submit to a two-week quarantine period.

Football authorities remain hopeful that with the curb of contagions falling they can request that the quarantine period be reduced to seven days and that it no longer be collective.&nbsp;

"I'm ready to bet on the resumption of the championship, but with this rule of quarantine of 14 days, the possibilities of carrying it out are not immense," said Enrico Castellacci, president of the Italian Football Doctors Association.&nbsp;

"I'm not going to quarantine people who are in good health. We don't do this if there is a positive case in a factory," argued Lazio team doctor Ivo Pulcini, with the Roman club committed to a resumption of the championship, as they sit just one point behind leaders Juventus.

But first teams need the green light from Spadafora, who has blown hot and cold on calcio throughout the crisis.

Sports daily Corriere dello Sport warned that the minister was "a formidable specialist in traps and surprises".

"Spadafora, no jokes!" wrote daily Tuttosport.

The Turin newspaper recalled that accounting for one percent of GDP and more than 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in taxes paid, football is not a trivial sector for the Italian economy.

Serie A will learn the fate of the Italian season on Thursday with a government decision awaited on whether football can resume after three months in a country hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Serie A will learn the fate of the Italian season on Thursday with a government decision awaited on whether football can resume after three months in a country hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora will hold a video conference at 6:30pm (1630GMT) with representatives of Italian football including federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina and Lega Serie A chief Paolo Dal Pino. Italian football bosses are hopeful that Italy can follow the German Bundesliga, which has already returned to the pitch, and Spain's La Liga which prepares to kick off again on June 8. The season has been on hold since March 9 when it was halted as coronavirus infections spread rapidly in Italy. The pandemic has killed more than 33,000 people in the country. Opposition has been particularly strong in Lombardy, the region most affected by the epidemic with nearly 16,000 deaths alone, and where four Serie A clubs play: Inter Milan, AC Milan, Atalanta and Brescia. But there are strong indications that Spadafora, who just a month ago said he was "very skeptical" about the possibility of a return, will finally give the green light. Italy have started to ease their strict lockdown measures and the daily figures have been reassuring, even if the virus is still circulating, especially in Lombardy. The prospect of seeing Juventus and Lazio compete for the title has become acceptable again. Italian football bosses want competition to resume on June 13, with the possibility of starting with Italian Cup semi-finals, followed by a full return to competition on June 20. The worst-case scenario would be a government refusal to return to action which, like in France, would signal the end of the season. But even in the event of a government green light on Thursday, the football world will have to complete the health protocol applicable for competition. - Thorny quarantine dilemma - Many issues remain to be resolved including match schedules, players' contracts which end on June 30 and unpaid TV rights by broadcasters. But the thorniest remains the two-week quarantine period in the case of a positive test. Bologna on Wednesday announced a "suspicious case" among one of their coaching staff. Pending final results, the team have returned to individual training. Above all, players and staff members must, if the positive test is confirmed, submit to a two-week quarantine period. Football authorities remain hopeful that with the curb of contagions falling they can request that the quarantine period be reduced to seven days and that it no longer be collective. "I'm ready to bet on the resumption of the championship, but with this rule of quarantine of 14 days, the possibilities of carrying it out are not immense," said Enrico Castellacci, president of the Italian Football Doctors Association. "I'm not going to quarantine people who are in good health. We don't do this if there is a positive case in a factory," argued Lazio team doctor Ivo Pulcini, with the Roman club committed to a resumption of the championship, as they sit just one point behind leaders Juventus. But first teams need the green light from Spadafora, who has blown hot and cold on calcio throughout the crisis. Sports daily Corriere dello Sport warned that the minister was "a formidable specialist in traps and surprises". "Spadafora, no jokes!" wrote daily Tuttosport. The Turin newspaper recalled that accounting for one percent of GDP and more than 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in taxes paid, football is not a trivial sector for the Italian economy.

Serie A await govt green light after three-month suspension

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Monday that all its competitions, including Serie A, will remain suspended until June 14.

The Lega Serie A had hoped for a return on June 13 but the FIGC has pushed back the date in line with a government decree that all sports competitions be suspended until next month.

The FIGC said the choice was made "pending any further... decision by the authorities", suggesting the possibility of a restart on June 13 might still exist.

The Italian season has been on hold since March 9 amid the pandemic which has killed more than 32,000 people in Italy.

But Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday said he needed "more guarantees" before the green light could finally be given for football to resume.

A meeting is planned in the near future between Conte and Italian football bosses.

The government's technical and scientific committee will decide in the coming days if it accepts the new health protocols proposed for a return to group training and competition.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Monday that all its competitions, including Serie A, will remain suspended until June 14. The Lega Serie A had hoped for a return on June 13 but the FIGC has pushed back the date in line with a government decree that all sports competitions be suspended until next month.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Monday that all its competitions, including Serie A, will remain suspended until June 14. The Lega Serie A had hoped for a return on June 13 but the FIGC has pushed back the date in line with a government decree that all sports competitions be suspended until next month. The FIGC said the choice was made "pending any further... decision by the authorities", suggesting the possibility of a restart on June 13 might still exist. The Italian season has been on hold since March 9 amid the pandemic which has killed more than 32,000 people in Italy. But Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday said he needed "more guarantees" before the green light could finally be given for football to resume. A meeting is planned in the near future between Conte and Italian football bosses. The government's technical and scientific committee will decide in the coming days if it accepts the new health protocols proposed for a return to group training and competition.

No Serie A restart before June 14, says FIGC

Italy’s top-flight league Serie A has agreed on June 13 resumption date after completing a video call with all 20 clubs on Wednesday. However, the resumption of Serie A is subject to government approval.&nbsp;

All the clubs have already started their planning to resume full training on May 18 following the Italian government’s approval of league’s medical protocol amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual training has already begun in Italy.

"As far as the resumption of sports activities is concerned, the date of June 13 for the resumption of the championship has been indicated ... in accordance with medical protocols for the protection of players and all those involved," Serie A said in a statement. 
Serie A further stated that the clubs have also asked the broadcasting rights holders to “respect the payment deadlines” in a bid to maintain a healthy relationship with them.

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When the Serie A was suspended in the month of March, Juventus were one point ahead of Lazio in the league standings. While Juventus are eyeing their ninth consecutive Serie A title, Lazio haven’t won the league since 2000.

There are still 12 rounds of matches remaining in Serie A in addition to four postponed matches. The biggest problem for both Serie A and Italian government would be how they deal with players should they test positive to COVID-19.&nbsp;

While the Italian football federation has said that isolating the positive tested player is sufficient, the Italian health ministry has said that the entire squad needs to go into a 14-day quarantine period.&nbsp;

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Earlier on Wednesday, Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora told the Italian Senate that the government would take its time in providing their decision regarding the return of live football.&nbsp;

"If [Serie A] resumes, as we all hope, it will be because we will have arrived at this decision after an orderly succession of actions and protocols," he said. "It is not possible to decide in an irresponsible hurry.

"Football is by its nature a sport in which it is not possible to keep distances, the players must run and agglomerate in the penalty area.

"The underestimation of this problem led a few weeks ago to the quarantine of several Serie A teams. We want to avoid finding ourselves in this situation."

Meanwhile, the German Bundesliga is set to resume the league on May 16. Whereas La Liga is steadily allowing the more players to train with a hope to restart the league on June 12.

Italy’s top-flight league Serie A has agreed on June 13 resumption date after completing a video call with all 20 clubs on Wednesday. However, the resumption of Serie A is subject to government approval.

Italy’s top-flight league Serie A has agreed on June 13 resumption date after completing a video call with all 20 clubs on Wednesday. However, the resumption of Serie A is subject to government approval. All the clubs have already started their planning to resume full training on May 18 following the Italian government’s approval of league’s medical protocol amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual training has already begun in Italy. "As far as the resumption of sports activities is concerned, the date of June 13 for the resumption of the championship has been indicated ... in accordance with medical protocols for the protection of players and all those involved," Serie A said in a statement. Serie A further stated that the clubs have also asked the broadcasting rights holders to “respect the payment deadlines” in a bid to maintain a healthy relationship with them. ALSO READ: EFL's economic crisis will not be spared behind closed doors When the Serie A was suspended in the month of March, Juventus were one point ahead of Lazio in the league standings. While Juventus are eyeing their ninth consecutive Serie A title, Lazio haven’t won the league since 2000. There are still 12 rounds of matches remaining in Serie A in addition to four postponed matches. The biggest problem for both Serie A and Italian government would be how they deal with players should they test positive to COVID-19. While the Italian football federation has said that isolating the positive tested player is sufficient, the Italian health ministry has said that the entire squad needs to go into a 14-day quarantine period. ALSO READ: Ex-Argentina attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi makes sex video blackmail complaint Earlier on Wednesday, Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora told the Italian Senate that the government would take its time in providing their decision regarding the return of live football. "If [Serie A] resumes, as we all hope, it will be because we will have arrived at this decision after an orderly succession of actions and protocols," he said. "It is not possible to decide in an irresponsible hurry. "Football is by its nature a sport in which it is not possible to keep distances, the players must run and agglomerate in the penalty area. "The underestimation of this problem led a few weeks ago to the quarantine of several Serie A teams. We want to avoid finding ourselves in this situation." Meanwhile, the German Bundesliga is set to resume the league on May 16. Whereas La Liga is steadily allowing the more players to train with a hope to restart the league on June 12.

Serie A agrees on June 13 resumption after meeting with all 20 clubs

The fate of the Serie A championship hung in the balance Thursday as state scientists huddled with football bosses in a desperate effort to save the pandemic-interrupted season.

The high stakes talks come with pressure mounting from sports-deprived fans and cash-starved sponsors for Italy to follow the German Bundesliga's lead and return to action.

Serie A began to descend into chaos at the end of February as the new coronavirus swept across Italy's north -- home to big teams such as Inter Milan and Juventus.

Several important matches were rescheduled. Some teams in the south played regularly and others in the north were not even able to train.

The league eventually threw up its hands and suspended the championship on March 9.

Fewer than 500 people had then died of the virus and the league was hoping to kick off again by early April.

Italy's official toll now stands at almost 30,000 and the time to pin the Scudetto badge on the shirts of the undisputed Serie A champion is running out.

Italy's Sport Mediaset channel called Thursday "the most important day for the future of our championship".

<h2>- 'Desperate measures' -</h2>

Some eager clubs have already opened up their grounds to players ahead of the official resumption of organised training on May 18.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to observe a 14-day quarantine after returning to Italy from nearly two months of confinement in Portugal.

His Juventus teammate Paulo Dybala said Wednesday he has been given the all-clear after first testing positive for the virus together with his girlfriend.

But rivals Torino confirmed that one of their players had tested positive and the issue of how to keep the disease from spreading on the pitch remains unresolved.

"I hope to restart football," Italy's Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said ahead of the meeting.

"But if the safety issues are not settled, the government will decide to shut things down."

Media reports said the discussion could run on into the weekend as the sides try to figure out proper virus testing procedures and the logistics of travel through contagion zones.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte -- the first Western leader to impose a national lockdown to ward off the pandemic in March -- was expected to have the final say.

But Conte has erred on the side of caution throughout the crisis. He upset many at the end of April by delaying an expected announcement on when matches can resume.

Former Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio warned that Italy's top three leagues faced the threat of lawsuits if their seasons were called off.

"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 said.

The former football executive said the "Italian system will default" unless the number of teams is immediately reduced.

"Football must be rescued through desperate measures," Tavecchio said.

The fate of the Serie A championship hung in the balance Thursday as state scientists huddled with football bosses in a desperate effort to save the pandemic-interrupted season.

The fate of the Serie A championship hung in the balance Thursday as state scientists huddled with football bosses in a desperate effort to save the pandemic-interrupted season. The high stakes talks come with pressure mounting from sports-deprived fans and cash-starved sponsors for Italy to follow the German Bundesliga's lead and return to action. Serie A began to descend into chaos at the end of February as the new coronavirus swept across Italy's north -- home to big teams such as Inter Milan and Juventus. Several important matches were rescheduled. Some teams in the south played regularly and others in the north were not even able to train. The league eventually threw up its hands and suspended the championship on March 9. Fewer than 500 people had then died of the virus and the league was hoping to kick off again by early April. Italy's official toll now stands at almost 30,000 and the time to pin the Scudetto badge on the shirts of the undisputed Serie A champion is running out. Italy's Sport Mediaset channel called Thursday "the most important day for the future of our championship". - 'Desperate measures' - Some eager clubs have already opened up their grounds to players ahead of the official resumption of organised training on May 18. Cristiano Ronaldo will have to observe a 14-day quarantine after returning to Italy from nearly two months of confinement in Portugal. His Juventus teammate Paulo Dybala said Wednesday he has been given the all-clear after first testing positive for the virus together with his girlfriend. But rivals Torino confirmed that one of their players had tested positive and the issue of how to keep the disease from spreading on the pitch remains unresolved. "I hope to restart football," Italy's Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said ahead of the meeting. "But if the safety issues are not settled, the government will decide to shut things down." Media reports said the discussion could run on into the weekend as the sides try to figure out proper virus testing procedures and the logistics of travel through contagion zones. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte -- the first Western leader to impose a national lockdown to ward off the pandemic in March -- was expected to have the final say. But Conte has erred on the side of caution throughout the crisis. He upset many at the end of April by delaying an expected announcement on when matches can resume. Former Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio warned that Italy's top three leagues faced the threat of lawsuits if their seasons were called off. "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 said. The former football executive said the "Italian system will default" unless the number of teams is immediately reduced. "Football must be rescued through desperate measures," Tavecchio said.

Italy decides fate of suspended football season

Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora on Wednesday said that Serie A, country’s top-flight football league, is unlikely to resume this season due to COVID-19 pandemic. On March 9, Italy had suspended Serie A as a part of strict lockdown phase to curb the spread of COVID-19 that has seen over 200,000 confirmed cases with more than 27,000 deaths in the country, the second-highest tally in the entire world after the United States.&nbsp;

Spadafora said that if he was one of the presidents of Serie A clubs then he would be focusing on the next season rather than spending time thinking about the halted campaign.

"I see an increasingly narrow path for the resumption of the Serie A... If I were one of the presidents (of the clubs) I would focus on the next season," Spadafora told an Italian broadcaster.

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The Netherlands and France are two European countries to have ended their football campaigns due to the coronavirus pandemic, whereas, the Premier League, German Bundesliga and Serie A are among those who want to finish the 2019/20 season.&nbsp;

"These decisions (in France and in the Netherlands) could push Italy to follow this line, which would become a European line," Spadafora said while adding that he thought a majority of Serie A clubs may soon ask to cancel the league.&nbsp;

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had earlier announced that lockdown will be eased from May 4 with sports team given the allowance to train from May 18.

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While the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has chalked out a medical protocol for training, Spadafora has clarified that government’s scientific experts didn't deem it sufficient.&nbsp;

"If the championship should ever resume, it will certainly be behind closed doors," Spadafora said.

As of now, there are 12 more rounds of matches to be played in Serie A with a number of games from incompleted rounds. As things stand, Juventus are one point clear of Lazio at the top of the table.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora on Wednesday said that Serie A, country’s top-flight football league, is unlikely to resume this season due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora on Wednesday said that Serie A, country’s top-flight football league, is unlikely to resume this season due to COVID-19 pandemic. On March 9, Italy had suspended Serie A as a part of strict lockdown phase to curb the spread of COVID-19 that has seen over 200,000 confirmed cases with more than 27,000 deaths in the country, the second-highest tally in the entire world after the United States. Spadafora said that if he was one of the presidents of Serie A clubs then he would be focusing on the next season rather than spending time thinking about the halted campaign. "I see an increasingly narrow path for the resumption of the Serie A... If I were one of the presidents (of the clubs) I would focus on the next season," Spadafora told an Italian broadcaster. ALSO READ: 'How many have to die?': Gary Neville voices fears over Premier League plans The Netherlands and France are two European countries to have ended their football campaigns due to the coronavirus pandemic, whereas, the Premier League, German Bundesliga and Serie A are among those who want to finish the 2019/20 season. "These decisions (in France and in the Netherlands) could push Italy to follow this line, which would become a European line," Spadafora said while adding that he thought a majority of Serie A clubs may soon ask to cancel the league. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had earlier announced that lockdown will be eased from May 4 with sports team given the allowance to train from May 18. ALSO READ: Mauricio Pochettino Newcastle United's top target to take over managerial duties While the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has chalked out a medical protocol for training, Spadafora has clarified that government’s scientific experts didn't deem it sufficient. "If the championship should ever resume, it will certainly be behind closed doors," Spadafora said. As of now, there are 12 more rounds of matches to be played in Serie A with a number of games from incompleted rounds. As things stand, Juventus are one point clear of Lazio at the top of the table.

Serie A could follow Ligue 1, Eredivisie by cancelling 2019-20 season: Italy's sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Sunday delayed a decision on restarting Serie A football but gave the green light for top athletes to resume training in a week's time.

Conte unveiled the first details of how the country will emerge from a lockdown aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic that has officially claimed more than 26,000 lives in Italy and 200,000 worldwide.

He said individual athletes would be allowed to resume training on May 4.

Teams could start to train together again on May 18.

But Conte did not say when Serie A might resume a season interrupted on March 9 with Juventus leading Lazio by a point.

"The championship will start again only when it is safe," Conte told the nation in a televised address.

Italian football chiefs agreed on Thursday to push back the end of the Serie A season from June 30 to August 2.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Sunday delayed a decision on restarting Serie A football but gave the green light for top athletes to resume training in a week's time.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Sunday delayed a decision on restarting Serie A football but gave the green light for top athletes to resume training in a week's time. Conte unveiled the first details of how the country will emerge from a lockdown aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic that has officially claimed more than 26,000 lives in Italy and 200,000 worldwide. He said individual athletes would be allowed to resume training on May 4. Teams could start to train together again on May 18. But Conte did not say when Serie A might resume a season interrupted on March 9 with Juventus leading Lazio by a point. "The championship will start again only when it is safe," Conte told the nation in a televised address. Italian football chiefs agreed on Thursday to push back the end of the Serie A season from June 30 to August 2.

Italy's PM delays Serie A restart decision

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