Serie A Suspends All Games over Growing Coronavirus Fears

Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, announced on Monday night, 9 March, a nation-wide lockdown due to the rampant spread of the coronavirus, which will also include the halting of sporting events.

During a press conference, Conte said: “Our habits have to change, we must sacrifice something for the good of all Italy. This is why we will adopt even more stringent measures.”

The lockdown has resulted in many Serie A games taking place behind closed doors, but intensifying quarantine conditions will mean the tournament may just have to shut down for the current season.

Italy has been hard-hit by the contagion, with quarantine protocols becoming prevalent in all regions. The most recent statistics claim that 463 people in the country have died, whilst 9 172 others have been infected.

The lockdown includes the banning of public gatherings, and strict movement control for anything besides work and emergency services.

Multiple matches have seen fans locked out in order to curb spreading the ailment, although many remain optimistic about games going ahead once the constraints are lifted in early April.