Italian football club Juventus announced on Wednesday that defender Daniele Rugani was the first Serie A player to test positive for the virus.

Juventus, which has won the last eight Serie A titles, announced the result on its website and social media channels.

The club said Rugani, who also plays for the Italian national team, and “those who have had contact with him” are being isolated.

It also said the 25-year-old is not showing any symptoms of the disease.

Rugani took to social media to assure Juventus fans he was feeling fine despite testing positive for the virus.

“You’ve read the news, so I want to reassure everyone who’s worried about me, I’m fine,” Rugani said on Twitter.

“I urge everyone to respect the rules, because this virus makes no distinction!

“Let’s do it for ourselves, for our loved ones and for those around us.”

Juventus trained earlier on Wednesday, although it was unclear whether Rugani was present.

The club had said earlier that forward Cristiano Ronaldo was still in Portugal “pending developments related to the current health emergency” after visiting his mother – who had a stroke last week.

Following the news, Juventus revealed they will implement the necessary isolation procedures, while Inter Milan confirmed they have suspended all competitive activities until further notice. 

Juventus currently leads Serie A by one point over Lazio as it bids for a ninth straight title.

Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini, has also tested positive for coronavirus.

Sampdoria said the player is “doing well” and that they have activated the required isolation procedures.

“I still want to tell you that I’m fine, so don’t worry,” Gabbiadini said.

“Follow all the rules, stay at home and everything will work out.”

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with mild illness recover in about two weeks.

Those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.