Coronavirus: Serie A return date set following Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's announcement
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced that professional sports teams in the country can resume training from May 18.
The move means that Serie A could resume playing games in early June. Italy's top division has been suspended since March 9, when the government ordered a national lockdown.
Restrictions in the country will be eased on May 4, where parks will reopen and people will be allowed to see their relatives in small numbers.
Some sporting activity will now be permitted, although without spectators, while individual athletes can resume training. People can carry out sporting activity not just in the vicinity of their homes but in wider areas.
Despite that, there was no announcement on the possibility of the league resuming, even behind closed doors.
However, clubs can now begin training with a return for Serie A appearing closer - which gives major hope to the Premier League and Sky Bet EFL.
Speaking in a televised address, Conte said: "You have all shown strength, courage, sense of responsibility and community.
"Now the phase of living with the virus begins for everyone and we must be aware that during Phase Two, there is the risk we’ll see the curve climb in some areas of the country.
"It’ll be even more important to maintain social distancing, at least one metre. Even when seeing family, we must still maintain this precaution, because the scientists tell us that at least one out of four infections come via family members.
"If we do not respect social distancing, the curve will climb again, so will the number of deaths, and we will have irreversible damage to our economy.
"If you love this country, then respect social distancing."
Reports also say that players will be regularly tested both with swabs and blood tests.
Twelve rounds remain in Serie A this season, alongside four games which were postponed prior to the lockdown. The Italian Cup competition was also suspended at the semi-final stage.