Serie A to resume on June 20: Details here
After seeing La Liga and Premier League set dates for resumption of the 2019-20 season, Italy's Serie A too announced a move to start football next month. The Serie A will return on June 20, the country's Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora has confirmed. Serie A was suspended on March 9 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Here's more on the same.
Spadafora said the Serie A could be preceded by Italian Cup matches one week earlier. Meanwhile, the head of Serie B said the second tier also hoped to restart on June 20. "Italy is starting up again and it's only right that football can also get going," Spadafora told reporters after a conference call with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Spadafora said the Italian government approved health and safety measures suggested by the FIGC. There is also a backup plan in case the league had to be stopped again. "In the light of this we can say that the championship can start again on June 20," he said.
Earlier, Germany's Bundesliga started on May 16 and so far we have had three rounds of matches played behind closed doors. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that La Liga can resume behind closed doors from June 8. La Liga president Javier Tebas welcomed the move and is hoping for a June 11 restart. The Premier League is set to resume from June 17.
"We've had an extraordinary period, full of obstacles and pressures, with consistency, determination and spirit of service," said Serie A president Paolo Dal Pino as per Reuters. "For Serie A, the future must mean going back to being the most beautiful championship in the world."
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had set the date of commencement for the start of 2020-21 season as September 1. The current season will have to be completed by August 20. "The FIGC has expressed its willingness to restart and complete its national professional competitions, marking August 20 as the deadline for Serie A, B and C to close their competitions," a statement read.
Juventus lead the Serie A 2019-20 standings and have 63 points from 26 matches. Meanwhile, Lazio have 62 points under their belt. Inter Milan are third, having played one game less. Atalanta and Roma are also vying for a berth in the UEFA Champions League.
