“The terms in the new bill represent a great display of trust in the world of football.” FIGC president Gabriele Gravina made a statement following the Italian Government’s decisions pertaining to the containment of the COVID-19 epidemic.

“I want to thank the entire executive branch of government,” he said, “because they have taken our repeated requests on board, above all safeguarding the basis of exercise and continuing to allow amateur and youth teams to train. During its fruitful collaboration with the institutions, the FIGC has always shown a great sense of responsibility on the issue of safety and safeguarding health. This priority was reconfirmed today with the decision to send the Under-20s out in place of the Under-21s against Ireland, which was adopted with the utmost caution. In a period as difficult as this for the country, it is well understood the good that football can for the good of society, both in terms of numbers and social impact.”