Serie A sets 18 May date for return to training in step towards to football resuming in Italy

Three-way fight at the top for the title now looks set to be concluded after clubs were given the green light to return to training under strict restrictions next month with a view to resuming the 2019/20 season

Italian football received a big, though tentative, boost on Sunday night as prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced that team sports may resume training in groups from 18 May.

Serie A fixtures have been postponed since 9 March due to the coronavirus pandemic, with most teams still having 12 matches still to play–Inter Milan and Atalanta are among the eight with an extra game to fulfil.

Conte confirmed that athletes may begin individual training from 4 May, including those needing to travel away from home.

All training gatherings will still be subject to social distancing rules, while any decision on actual games resuming is still on hold and will not be decided until further down the line.

Sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora will work with league officials and government scientists to establish the safest course of action after training resumes.

The Italian FA, FIGC, has already prepared plans for testing staff and players who will be in training, with teams likely to be isolated in training camps.

As is likely to be the case around much of the rest of global sport, any possible return to competitive action will take place behind closed doors.

However, no guarantees that the season will resume were given, with Conte saying they would “evaluate if there are the conditions to allow the conclusion of the championships.”

Reigning champions Juventus are one point clear at the top of Serie A, with Lazio in second and Inter a further eight points back in third.

At the bottom, Brescia and SPAL look set for relegation and are somewhat cut adrift, but Lecce—who occupy the third relegation zone spot currently—are level on points with Genoa and only a point off Sampdoria.