By Akinwale Kasali
The deadly Coronavirus is currently having a toll on the round leather game.
Less than 24 hours after the cancellation of the English Premier League match between Arsenal Football Club and Manchester City Football Club at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, following the fears by the English Football Association that some Arsenal players may have contracted Covid-19 after being in contact with Olympiakos Football Club President and Nottingham Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, who had announced that he has contracted the deadly coronavirus, a high profile player has fallen victim.
Sadly, 25-year-old Juventus Football Club centre-back, Daniele Rugani, has contracted the virus, and is in quarantine.
Rugani has been a fringe player for the reigning Italian Serie A champions this season, making just seven appearances in all competitions.
The Italy international was on the bench for Juventus just days ago when the club defeated Inter Milan 2-0 behind closed doors, with goals from Aaron Ramsey and Paulo Dybala.
Rugani’s case comes after Serie A matches was put on hold until April with his club now committed to following proper quarantine protocol.
“The footballer Daniele Rugani has tested positive for Coronavirus-COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic,” Juventus said.
Said the statement: “Juventus Football Club is currently activating all the isolation procedures required by law, including the census of those who have had contact with him.”
Meanwhile, with all Serie A games suspended indefinitely, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) recently confirmed possible ways they could accommodate a shortened season.
“If the COVID-19 emergency should not allow for the conclusion of the league competitions, President (Gabriel) Gravina put forward some proposals that will be discussed in another meeting on March 23,” read an FIGC statement.
“Without any order of priority, an option would be not assigning the Scudetto and consequently informing UEFA of the teams qualified for Europe.
It continues: “Another would be referring to the table as it stands up until the moment the season was interrupted.
“A third and final hypothesis would be to organise play-offs for the title of champion of Italy and play-offs to decide relegation into Serie B.”
