All Serie A Matches to Be Played Behind Closed Doors Until April 3 With Coronavirus Spreading

A government decree has ruled that all sporting events, including matches in Serie A, will now be played behind closed doors until April 3 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. 

The virus is continuing to spread across Italy, with the number of cases in the country continuing to increase by the day.

Italy has already become the worst affected European country, and precautionary measures are continuing to be taken in order to prevent further outbreaks. 

Official: new COVID decree measures here in Italy. All sports events – also Serie A – can only be done behind closed doors for 30 days. No more fans in the stadiums. The measures will be effective until April 3. 

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 4, 2020

A number of games in ​Serie A have been postponed or played behind closed doors in recent weeks as a result of the virus. Italy’s Minister of Sports Vincenzo Spadafora confirmed that six league games on matchday 26 played in the areas affected by the coronavirus will go ahead, but behind closed doors. However, five of these matches were later ​cancelled at the last minute due to growing fears. 

​It’s not been confirmed (via Football Italia) that all sporting events, including Serie A matches, will be played behind closed doors until April 3. This covers all areas, and not just the ones that have been affected by the virus. Clubs are also responsible for making ‘regular checks’ to ensure none of their athletes or staff have the coronavirus.

Moreover, the report states that it is ‘almost certain’ the matches that weren’t played on gameweek 26 will now be played instead of the fixtures that are due to be played on gameweek 27. It was ​recently revealed that each gameweek will be pushed back to the following weekend, with a midweek round inserted on May 13.

As a result, ​Juventus‘ top of the table clash with ​Inter will be played on Monday 9 March. 

 

It was ​recently proposed that all public events in Italy should be avoided and subsequently halted for the next 30 days, including football as a result of the coronavirus. While this may not be happening, they have now opted instead to continue all sporting activities, but without a crowd. 

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