This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
Italy is slowly returning to normalcy after a two-month lockdown, with sports activities gradually resuming. On June 13, Serie A clubs plan to return to competition, provided they receive the green light from the government.
According to Lega Serie A, the governing body of Italian football, the decision to resume the championship was made in compliance with government decisions and medical protocols to protect players. The date of June 13 has been indicated for the resumption of the championship.
Italy's top-flight Serie A clubs have been suspended since March 9 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed over 31,000 lives in the country. The clubs had already voted unanimously to finish the season, but this is the first time a specific date has been set for a return.
Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora informed the parliament that he had received a letter from Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina. Gravina had informed Spadafora that the federation had followed all the recommendations of the Technical and Scientific Committee and had readjusted its protocol, allowing the resumption of collective training from May 18.
Italian teams returned to individual training after a two-month lockdown on May 4, with group sessions now set for next Monday under strict conditions. There has been much debate over the quarantine period after a positive test, with government scientists seeking a two-week isolation period for those in contact with the infected person.
As the country continues to navigate the pandemic, Juventus remains at the top of the Serie A table, one point ahead of Lazio, as they target a ninth consecutive Scudetto.
