No Serie A fans till next year, reveals leaked document - report

A leaked government document says supporters in Italy may not be allowed into stadiums until January 2021, even if football resumes earlier, according to a report.

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While talks are in progress to potentially resume Serie A in late May, it will reportedly be without fans present until next year.

Sport Mediaset in Italy claim a leaked government document suggests fans will be barred from stadiums far longer than initially expected.

Italy was one of the first and worst hit European nations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now also among the first to prepare emerging out the other side.

The severity of the lockdown could be eased by 4 May, according to several reports, which would allow players to train and professional leagues to potentially resume action by 31 May if the easing of restrictions goes well.

All matches would be played behind closed doors - a safety measure that could last till January 2021, the government document reportedly says.

Italy is moving into the second phase of the coronavirus response, which is to ease out of total lockdown while maintaining social distancing.

Allowing thousands of supporters to pack into a stadium would surely signal the end of the crisis.