This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
Italy's Serie A championship hangs in the balance as the country grapples with a new wave of positive coronavirus tests among players, forcing the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to seek guidance from the government's technical scientific committee.
On May 7, the FIGC met with the committee to discuss the medical protocol for a potential return to group training, a move that could pave the way for the resumption of the season.
Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora expressed hope that team training could resume on May 18, citing a 'very important' meeting between the two parties.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has shown a strong commitment to saving the season, warning of the 'death of Italian football' if the championship is not completed.
However, the situation remains precarious, with eight players testing positive for the virus this week, including four from Sampdoria and three from Fiorentina.
Top clubs in Italy have begun testing players and staff as they prepare to return to training facilities, but the logistics of travel through contagion zones and proper virus testing procedures remain a major concern.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will have the final say on the matter, but his cautious approach has already delayed an expected announcement on when matches can resume.
Former Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio warned that Italy's top three leagues face the threat of lawsuits if their seasons are called off, emphasizing the need for 'desperate measures' to rescue the sport.
