“Following the demands of the sports world and knowing that the ban on sporting events open to the public remains in force in six regions of northern Italy, we have agreed to the holding of matches behind closed doors,” sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora said after a meeting of the Council of Ministers.
There are six games scheduled in the regions Spadafora mentioned, including the massive title clash on Sunday evening between leader Juventus and third-placed Inter.
The six Serie A games being played behind closed doors are: Udinese versus Fiorentina (Saturday); Milan versus Genoa (Sunday); Parma versus SPAL (Sunday); Sassuolo versus Brescia (Sunday); Juventus versus Inter (Sunday); and Sampdoria versus Hellas Verona (Monday).
Inter Milan themselves announced their Europa League match with Ludogorets on Thursday would be played in an empty stadium.
“In agreement with UEFA, the Lombardy regional health authorities and Milan city council, our return game with Ludogorets will be played behind closed doors,” the club said in a statement.
Other sports were also hit with the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) confirming that in line with government instructions, all events in the Lombardy and Veneto regions would be postponed.
The spread of the virus has disrupted other high-profile events including Milan Fashion Week and the Venice Carnevale.
Production of the latest Mission: Impossible film starring Tom Cruise has also been halted in Venice as a precaution, Paramount Pictures said on Monday.
