Rome: Nearly 12 weeks after Italy’s top football league played its final games before the nation-wide coronavirus lockdown entered into force, the Italian government has given Serie A the nod to restart play on June 20.
The decision, announced by Minister of Sport Vincenzo Spadafora after less than an hour of virtual discussions with officials from the Italian Football Federation and representatives of Serie A, players, coaches, and referees on Thursday, comes after weeks of contentious talks and widespread media speculation on the topic. “Italy is reopening, it is correct that the football season should restart as well,” Spadafora told reporters. Earlier this month, 16 of 20 Serie A teams voted to restart play on June 13, with four teams voting for a June 20 start.
But that vote was contingent on health and safety protocols for players and fans and in the end, the latter date was selected. (IANS)
