Italy sporting events to be played behind closed doors until April due to coronavirus outbreak

All sporting events in Italy will be played behind closed doors until the 3rd of April as a result of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

As Football Italia relayed, a government decree set out the ruling, which will be enforced across the entire country. The motion also places an onus on sporting clubs to carry out checks that ensure none of their athletes have contracted the respiratory virus.

Italy has more than 3,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Italy has had the most serious outbreak of the coronavirus in Europe, with 107 people confirmed to have died after being infected.

It was also confirmed yesterday that all schools in Italy will be shut for a period of 10 days, as the nation seeks to contain the spread of the virus.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte says the country's health service is struggling to cope with the number of cases.

On Sunday, it was confirmed that all matches being played in the Italian regions that has been significantly affected by the virus will be suspended until March 8. This was after six matches from the previous weekend and four from the weekend before that were called off.

Inter Milan chief executive Giuseppe Marotta said he feared the 2019-20 season could not be concluded if more matches are being postponed.

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