Serie A restart: Italian PM wants 'more guarantees'
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said he needs "more guarantees" before the green light can finally be given for the resumption of Serie A after a two-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic. Clubs have already suggested June 13 as a date for the league to restart while group training will get under way on Monday. Here's more.
We don't have those (guarantees) at this moment: Conte
Conte said they do not have the guarantees at this moment and he hopes the same can be achieved soon. "Before starting the season, we need a few more guarantees and, speaking to Minister for Sport Vincenzo Spadafora, we don't have those at this moment," Conte told a televised news conference. "I hope they can be achieved as soon as possible."
The first major concern bothering Serie A
A major concern is the logistical difficulties for clubs to try and organize a two-week group training period from Monday. Players would theoretically have to train together, eat and sleep at the training center or a hotel entirely available to the team to avoid any risk of contagion. However, several clubs do not have these facilities.
Situation to be evaluated for the season's completion
Last month, a statement issued by Italian Prime Minister Conte stated that players would be able to train individually from May 4 and in groups from May 18. According to him, the season could be completed after evaluating the situation. He added that utmost safety measures for players will be ensured by the government if the season continues following the pandemic.
Second issue relates to quarantine measures
The second concern is regarding the government insistence on quarantine for the entire team and staff, in the event of a positive test. Italian clubs favor the German model, where only the infected person is quarantined.
The latest scenarios surrounding football leagues in Europe
The Bundesliga resumed on Saturday behind closed doors, with Dortmund hammering Schalke at home. La Liga is targeting a mid-June return behind closed doors. Players are set for group training from Monday onwards. Premier League is targeting a season resumption next month. Earlier, the Dutch Eredivisie season was declared void. Meanwhile, PSG were handed Ligue 1 honor after the season was ended prematurely.
Setback for Serie A: Two Parma players test positive
Two players from Serie A side Parma have tested positive for coronavirus and have been moved into isolation. This comes as another setback to hopes of a season restart. Just two days out from the scheduled go-ahead for group training at clubs, Parma said all members of their squad and staff had been tested through swabs and blood samples. Two players are asymptomatic.
