All sporting events in Italy has been suspended until April 3 due to the growing spread of the coronavirus. The Coronavirus outbreak has spread across Italy in recent weeks leading to Juventus 2 -0 victory over Inter Milan being played behind closed doors. Italy's top sports body, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has therefore concluded to suspend sporting activities across the country until the first week of April.
In a statement released after a meeting between representatives from all major Italian team sports federations, CONI said: "Health protection is the top priority for everyone."
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has officially signed a decree outlawing all public gatherings across the country, including sports events, with the decree coming to effect from Tuesday morning. He added people should not move other than for work and emergencies.
"We're having an important growth in infection... and of deaths, We all must give something up for the good of Italy. We have to do it now, and we'll only be able if we all collaborate and adapt to these more stringent measures. This is why I decided to adopt even more strong and severe measures to contain the advance... and protect the health of all citizens."
The Serie A is not yet concluded with 12 rounds to go and eight-time defending champions Juventus leading the table with one point over Lazio will not be crowned champions. The League will continue after the suspension.
CONI said its decision did not include international competition "for clubs or national teams,'' because it does not govern those. Juventus, Napoli, Atalanta, Inter Milan and Roma are in Europen action and will play behind closed door. Paris St-Germain's Champions League last-16 match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday will also be played without fans.
Around 16 million people in the northern part of the country are in lockdown due to the rapid spread of the virus. Italy has been the European country worst hit by the coronavirus so far, with over 9,000 confirmed cases and 463 deaths.
