CLAUDIO RANIERI worries that football is attempting to return too soon.
The former Leicester and Chelsea manager is now in charge of Sampdoria in Italy where the death toll from the coronavirus has exceeded 20,000 people.
Ranieri hopes football does not rush back from the pandemic-enforced breakCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Serie A bosses had hoped the season could resume at the end of May but a video conference led by the Italian FA will be held on Wednesday to determine a suitable restart date.
Bundesliga chiefs in Germany have already allowed players to return to training while English football clubs are working towards a possible restart date of June 6 if the Government rubber-stamps the plan.
Ranieri warned: “I feel we need to be cautious.
“I also read that this virus can have lasting effects on the heart. If we are to play, then the players must be totally healthy and given thorough tests.
“I am not saying what is right or wrong, I just want doctors to agree on what needs to be done to ensure players are safe.
“We had a player who tested positive, then negative and, after training at home again, he tested positive once more.”
Ranieri’s concerns have been supported by a leading infection specialist in Italy.
Dr Giovanni Rezza, director of the Institute of Health, warned: “May seems too tight. I would not be in favour.”
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The Italian government shut football down on March 9 after allowing behind closed doors games in the coronavirus-hit region of Lombardy in the north.
Serie A clubs had hoped players could return to training soon with matches behind closed doors next month.
But with 13 rounds of matches to complete it is a huge task to squeeze in.
Ranieri added: “Will a month of training be enough to get them ready?
“I’m a coach and certain decisions are not up to me but whatever happens, someone will still be unhappy.”
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Neighbours cheers each other champagne flutes on sticks during coronavirus lockdown in Italy
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
