Italian FA hopes for May training return

Italy's football federation hopes players can be tested for coronavirus at the start of May to prepare for the season to restart.

Serie A has been suspended since March 9 because of the outbreak and it is still not clear when, or if, the season can resume.

Italy has been one of the countries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost 20,000 deaths and more than 156,000 confirmed cases. Players at a number of clubs have been infected.

There are still 12 rounds of matches to be played, plus several outstanding fixtures.

Federation president Gabriele Gravina told Sky Sport Italia he was still determined for the season to be completed no matter how long it took.

"As soon as the conditions are right, we'll finish the championship," Gravina said.

"Soon, there will be a meeting, we will establish the procedure which we will then communicate. We will start, I hope, at the beginning of the month (May) with tests to ensure that players are negative and the training can follow.

"Will we play through the summer? We don't have a deadline but the idea is to finish the championships."

Several clubs have opposed the idea of carrying on with Serie A including Brescia, who have threatened not to take the field.