All sport in Italy, including England’s men’s and women’s Six Nations matches in Rome and all Serie A games, will be played behind closed doors until 3 April in an effort to contain coronavirus, the government has said.
Italy is the worst-hit European country with some 3,090 cases and 107 deaths.
The Italian Cup semi-finals between Juventus and AC Milan and Napoli and Inter Milan were postponed this week.
The government decree was made on Wednesday evening.
England men’s and women’s sides play Italy in the Six Nations on 14 and 15 March.
The decree affects all areas of the country, including those places were the virus has not been found.
It also states that sporting clubs and organisations are responsible for checking their players and staff for coronavirus.
The government’s decree reads: “Sports events and competitions of all kinds and disciplines, held in every place, both public and private, are suspended; however it is permitted to carry out the aforementioned events and competitions behind closed doors, or outdoors without the presence of the public.
“In all such cases, the associations and sports clubs, by means of their medical staff, are required to carry out the appropriate checks to contain the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus among athletes, technicians, managers and all accompanying persons who participate.”
Last Thursday, Inter Milan’s Europa League victory over Ludogorets was played behind closed doors at San Siro Stadium.
And last week Ireland’s men’s and women’s Six Nations games against Italy in Dublin on 7 and 8 March were postponed because of coronavirus.
Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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