JAKARTA - Juventus has confirmed that their defender Daniele Rugani has tested positive for the corona virus or COVID-19 after undergoing tests on Wednesday, March 11, evening local time.
The 25-year-old Italian defender rarely gets the chance to play with the defending champions Serie A this season. He only made seven appearances in all competitions.
The news regarding Rugani's condition emerged just a few days after the Italian Serie A was officially suspended until April.
"Footballer Daniele Rugani has tested positive for Coronavirus-COVID-19 after undergoing tests and is currently asymptomatic," Juventus said in a statement on the official website on Thursday.
"Juventus FC is currently activating all isolation procedures recommended by law, including the census of those who have had contact with him (Rugani)."
Although he often sits on the bench, Rugani has won four Serie A titles with the Old Lady and defended Italy seven times. most recently, he took part in the Gli Azzurri squad in 2018.
Urgent communication. Player tested positive for COVID-19.https: //t.co/JdwTzLOjR6 pic.twitter.com/L8pU59zkYf
- JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) March 11, 2020
After being tested positive for corona, Rugani spoke through his personal Instagram. He thanked all those who have given him support.
"You may have read the news and that's why I want to reassure everyone who is worried about me I am fine. However, at this moment, I feel even more obliged to thank all the doctors and nurses who are struggling in the hospital to deal with the situation. this emergency, "wrote Rugani.
"I ask everyone to respect the rules, because this virus makes no difference! Let's do it for ourselves, for our loved ones and for those around us."
On Wednesday, the Italian government announced a number of further steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including closing all shops except food stores and pharmacies.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte approved the decision of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) to suspend all sporting activities in Italy until April 3. All of Italy has been declared 'on lockdown' following the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier, the Italian government requested all sporting activities to take place behind closed doors until April, but CONI announced new measures on Monday following a significant increase in cases.
Conte confirmed the CONI decision will take effect. This decision followed the announcement of the suspension of Serie A and all sporting events by the prime minister when he extended restrictions on movement to the entire population of the country, previously only in so-called special "red zones".
With a total of 9,172 Italians infected as of Monday, all public gatherings were also banned other than for work or emergency purposes.
Meanwhile, the second leg match in the last 16 of the Champions League between Juventus versus Olympique Lyon on Wednesday, March 18 is confirmed to be canceled. On that date, all Juventus players are still in isolation.
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