Sampdoria forward Manolo Gabbiani is the second Serie A player to test positive with the Coronavirus COVID-19. Sampdoria making the announcement on Thursday 12 March 2020. The Coronavirus crisis is also alerting Hellas Verona being the last club that faced Sampdoria during the Serie A Week 26. Hellas Verona informed they were ceasing all activity following Gabbiadini’s test.
The first Serie A player to test positive with Coronavirus was Juventus defender Daniele Rugani. Juventus and Inter are in quarantine.
Gabbiadini decided to self isolate to prevent the spread of the virus as required by Italian law.
Gabbiadini has also released a statement: “I’ve tested positive for coronavirus. I want to thank you all for the many messages I’ve received. I also want to let you know that I’m fine, so don’t worry. Follow the rules, stay at home and everything will work out.”
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the closure of schools, gyms, museums, nightclubs, sports, and other venues.
The Coronavirus – COVID 19 outbreak in Italy, especially, in the Northern area continues. The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) have called for all sporting events to be stopped until at least April 3, 2020. The CONI has authority over all Italian sports federations.
The Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday 9 March 2020 announced that the Serie A football league, along with all sporting events in the country, will be suspended until April 3. For the moment, the Serie A has stopped after completing the Week 26 on Monday with Sassuolo 3 – 0 Brescia played behind closed doors.
Reportedly, there are about 6000 Coronavirus cases across the country. The Serie A Standing sees Juventus leading with 63 points, Lazio with 62, and Inter with 54. The only games, so far, that will take place behind closed doors are the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Juventus vs Lyon, second leg on March 17 in Turin.
UEFA Europa League, Inter vs Getafe on Thursday 19 March at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan.
UEFA Europa League Round of 16, AS Roma vs Sevilla on Thursday 19 March at the Olimpico di Roma Stadium in Rome.
Italy is reported to be the second most affected country after China where the virus originated.
Viste le misure urgenti in materia di contenimento per la diffusione del virus COVID 19, il Presidente @giomalago ha indetto una riunione straordinaria alle ore 15 in Sala Giunta con le Federazioni degli sport professionistici e degli sport di squadra.
By Anna Italia
