COVID-19: Italy Suspends All Sporting Activity

Italy has suspended all sporting activity until April 3 over the rising spread of the deadly coronavirus in the country.

The Italian Olympic Committee (NOIC) confirmed to Mirror the decision amid request to the Italian government to issue a decree which will force a halt to Serie A until April 3.

“Juventus are due to host Lyon in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next week.

“Additionally, Inter Milan are in the last 16 of the Europa League and are due to face Getafe on Thursday.

“While European competition does not fall under the remit of CONI, it remains to be seen whether the games will take place on Italian soil.

“Euro 2020 is scheduled to open in Rome on June 12, while each Serie A team still has at least 12 fixtures left to play.

“The Six Nations has been hit hard by cancellations due to the coronavirus outbreak with all Italy’s fixtures in the competition postponed.

“France vs Ireland has also been cancelled ahead of the weekend with Wales vs Scotland currently the only match scheduled to go ahead.

“England had been due to face Italy in Rome.

“Northern Italy is still the part of Europe most affected by the coronavirus, with over 7,000 infections detected so far and more than 300 deaths.” Mirror Sport Reports.