Plans are taking shape for how to get Serie A going again in May or June, with blanket coronavirus tests for squads, quarantine periods for those coming from abroad and structured training.
The lockdown measures have been extended until April 13, including a new Government stipulation banning training in a facility for even professional athletes.
However, the number of new deaths, cases and intensive care requirements have slowed down significantly this week, suggesting Italy has reached the peak of the crisis.
Minister for Sport Vincenzo Spadafora confirmed he was talking to the five biggest sports federations in the country to discuss a plan for getting back on track, hoping to conclude the season.
According to news agency Adnkronos, a potential date to start playing again would be May 24 or 31, rather than the May 20 floated by FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
This would mean resuming training after Easter or at the latest on May 2.
The protocol for easing players back from self-isolation into training sessions has to be worked out, but Adnkronos claims this will include blanket testing of all squad members and staff to ensure nobody is positive for coronavirus.
More tests would be made weekly to maintain that level of certainty all the way to the end of the season.
Clubs are believed to be stocking up on COVID-19 tests, in accordance with medical structures in their cities, ensuring everyone has enough to go around.
There would also be a quarantine period of 14 days for players who went abroad during the lockdown, of which there are quite a few, so they’d be introduced to training later.
When games did return, they would almost certainly be behind closed doors, at least to begin with.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com