Juventus-Inter Milan match postponed over coronavirus fears

Four other Serie A matches have also been postponed

Juventus-Inter Milan match postponed over coronavirus fears A Juventus Football Club scarf seen outside the Allianz Stadium (right), which is closed over the coronavirus crisis | Reuters

Five Serie A matches, including the highly anticipated clash between Juventus and Inter Milan, have been postponed over fears about the coronavirus. The called-off matches have been postponed to May 13.

The decision to postpone these matches is in response to the "exceptional circumstances concerning protection of public health and security". This also means that the Italian Cup final which was scheduled to be played on May 13, was also pushed to May 20.

The match between Juve and Inter was originally planned to be played behind closed doors, but as the number of cases reported in Italy and other countries have risen recently, the Italian league decided it was best to postpone the scheduled matches.

Juventus also announced that they are temporarily suspending activities of the Under-23 squad which had played a third division fixture against Pianese. A few Pianese players had tested positive for coronavirus.

The football club also said the none of their players have so far shown any symptoms of the virus, but are under observation.

According to reports, several sporting events have taken a hit since the coronavirus outbreak. A Six Nations rugby match scheduled to be played next week between Italy and Ireland has been called off. The alpine skiing World Cup Finals, which was due to take place in Italy next month, is expected to go ahead but without any spectators.