This archive report was first published on 27 April 2020.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has outlined the first steps in lifting the country's coronavirus lockdown, paving the way for Serie A teams to resume training.
On May 4th, players will be allowed to undertake individual training, while group training will be permitted from May 18th. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has already drawn up a medical protocol to ensure a safe return to training.
Each club will form a group of players, technical staff, doctors, and physiotherapists who will be tested and then isolated in a summer-style training camp. The FIGC has also planned to donate five COVID-19 test kits for each kit used by clubs to avoid criticism that football is taking much-needed resources from other areas.
However, the return of football has raised concerns, with World players' union Fifpro warning that it risks sending a 'bad signal'. Secretary-general Jonas Baer-Hoffmann said: 'We need guidance and protocols on how to return in a healthy and safe manner. Football is a contact sport and we feel very high protection standards are required.'
Despite these concerns, the FIGC has insisted that it is committed to finishing the season. The league has pushed back the formal end of the season from June 30th to August 2nd to allow time for remaining games to be completed.
