AC Milan's Rafael Leao battles with Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan during the derby in September, 2019. Serie has been suspended since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Reuters
AC Milan's Rafael Leao battles with Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan during the derby in September, 2019. Serie has been suspended since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Reuters
AC Milan's Rafael Leao battles with Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan during the derby in September, 2019. Serie has been suspended since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Reuters
AC Milan's Rafael Leao battles with Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan during the derby in September, 2019. Serie has been suspended since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Reuters

Serie A targets June 13 restart from Coronavirus lockdown – but needs green light from government


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Serie A clubs are working towards a restart date of June 13 but the plan hinges on convincing the Italian government to soften its quarantine rules.

Top-flight clubs issued a statement on Wednesday concerning their restart plans, as they seek to complete the 2019-20 campaign which was suspended in March due to the pandemic.

Italy, and in particular the region of Lombardy, suffered significantly from the Covid-19 outbreak.

Team training has been given the go-ahead to return on Monday, and now Serie A clubs have a season start date to work to.

However, the Italian federation's medical committee is seeking an amendment to current government protocol which states that an entire squad must be quarantined for 14 days in the event of a single player or staff member testing positive.

If the positive finding occurred once action has resumed, it would also mean the team's last opponents having to isolate as well, conditions which would almost certainly make it impossible for the competition to go ahead.

A statement published on the official Serie A website read: "The assembly of the Serie A league met today with all parties present and connected via video conference.

"The Serie A league reiterates, in the relationship with the licensees of the audiovisual rights 2018-2021, the need to comply with the payment deadlines set by the contracts to maintain a constructive relationship with them.

"As regards the resumption of sporting activity, the date of June 13 for the resumption of the championship was indicated, in accordance with government decisions and in accordance with the medical protocols for the protection of players and all professionals."

Serie A said the clubs had also called on broadcasting rights holders to "respect the payment deadlines set out in the contracts in order to maintain a constructive relationship with them".

The last Serie A match before the suspension of competition took place on March 9.

A number of teams still have 13 games left to play, with the target season end date understood to be August 2.

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The Bio

Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.

Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.

Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.

Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.