Tuesday Update: Spain Bans Flights from Italy, Serie A Could Play Into June & More

We hope you and your families are not too affected by the Corona virus events, wherever you may be in the world right now. Here are the latest updates from the Romaverse and beyond:

Spanish Government Bans Direct Flights from Italy

Spain just took the decision to ban all direct flights coming in from Italy, effective at midnight tonight. That will inevitably leave the prospect of playing this Thursday’s Sevilla vs. Roma game up in the air, as Roma are now left wondering whether they can plan alternative means to get to the game or ask the Spanish government for an exception.

For the time being, the only exempted flights will be diplomatic and government official trips. Sports and athletics are not included on Spain’s list of exemptions from the temporary ban.

The worst case scenario would be that Roma are forced to forfeit the game. That was a decision Inter Primavera were forced to take (and subsequently accept a 3-0 default loss) this week, before Italy took the decision to suspend the Primavera league entirely.

There has been no sign from UEFA that they are willing to suspend any Europa League or Champions League games so far.

Serie A 2019/20 Could Roll On Into June, Euro 2020 Pushed Back?

The FIGC and Lega officials are meeting (along with CONI) in Rome as we speak, to put every scenario on the table when it comes to seeing out the 2019/20 Serie A season. Early word suggests that no one is keen to call off the season and default the relegation, European and championship spots as they are.

Instead, it’s rumored that the preferred option (with support from almost all Serie A clubs) is to finish out the season on the pitch, playing into June 2020. As it stands, only two Serie A matchdays are postponed, as the league has officially been suspended until the beginning of April and the latter half of March was where a break for international friendlies were scheduled.

It’s also thought that Italy will ask UEFA to push back Euro 2020, and this reportedly already has the support of other participating nations.

Milan. Fiorentina and Cagliari Suspend Training, More Clubs May Follow

AC Milan have suspended all team training sessions at Milanello for one week, starting today. Cagliari were the first Serie A club to announce the exact same measure earlier this morning. Fiorentina have announced they are suspending training indefinitely.

It seems inevitable that more clubs from Serie A and below will follow suit, except for Champions League and Europa League competitors for the time being. The Roma senior squad did show up for morning training today but, with the Sevilla game looking tenuous right now, Trigoria could be shut down soon enough.

More to follow as we get updates,