The general consensus had been that Italy was turning a corner for the better.
Amid the struggle of a pandemic, the tragedies of a nation hard hit, arrived hope that the situation was improving in a country now easing its lockdown measures.
Furthermore, the possibility that sport soon could resume and lift spirits of many throughout a football-fanatical country acted as a shining beacon.
Across Europe, in Germany, in France, in Great Britain and yes, in Italy too, leagues and broadcasters are tackling this serious emergency together by trying to find balanced solutions.
It is far from simple, however.
The demands of the Italian Government and their scientific committee are proving too much for Serie A clubs to deal with, and simply impossible for Serie B sides.
Another serious problem arising from changes to the medical protocol is the issue of culpability, as a club medic will be considered liable if anyone contracts Covid-19.
Today came confirmation from the Ministry of Health that ‘without doubt, if anyone tests positive for COVID-19 within a club, it all stops’ under the Serie A protocol.
If training does resume next week it will be under strict medical protocols and the 2019/20 campaign in Serie B is increasingly unlikely to restart because the clubs are not as financially-equipped as the top-flight teams to follow the extensive measures.
So, there you have it. Complex, although necessary, obstacles abound.
Oh for the days when we could enjoy action involving some of the world’s leading talent plying their trade in some of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Oh for the chance to resume the season and allow one of the most exciting title races Italy has seen in years to reach its conclusion.
Yet, such has been the impact of this virus in the country that football doesn’t seem as important right now.
That view was heightened or certainly lent some perspective, with the sad news that Atalanta midfielder Andrea Rinaldi had died aged just 19 after suffering a brain aneurysm while training at home during the lockdown.
What the next few weeks will bring who knows, but there is much to discuss with health the overarching priority.
Let’s look at the latest statistics, figures which continue to drop after they had reached and passed the peak of the pandemic.
At the time of writing, there have been 172 deaths related to Covid-19 over the last 24 hours in Italy, but only 952 remain in intensive care, with another 2,452 given the all-clear.
In addition, another 2,452 have been declared cured, so 109,039 have made a full recovery now.
While a massive improvement, the resumption of contact sport remains a concern. And then there’s the fans. The chances of seeing supporters in the stands is a long way off.
Not with everyone though.
Take this quote from virologist Maria Rita Gismondo:
“I don’t understand why there are so many fears on reopening the gates to football and none when authorising an open-air concert.
“The rules to ensure safety, like social distancing and obligatory masks, are the same in a stadium as when attending an opera. In fact, the rules would be easier to apply in a stadium than a theatre.”
Certainly, food for thought.
It’s one step at a time.
When the time is right football will return and must return.
The number of people employed in and around the game in Italy is staggering, from kit staff to caterers, drivers and press officers.
Football is a unifying force that will help the country move forward. Calcio is as much an element of Italian life as pizza, pasta and a passeggiata in the sunshine.
We can all agree to that!
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