April 7 – Italy’s government has decided that Rome’s Olympic stadium can admit a limited number of fans for European Championship matches this summer, a welcome boost to UEFA amid concerns some venues may not be ready.
The Euro 2020 tournament was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and UEFA has asked the 12 cities hosting games across Europe to submit their plans imminently.
“Health Minister Roberto Speranza has told us that the government scientific advisers will identify the best solutions to allow the public to be at the Olympic Stadium in Rome for the European Championships,” FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said.
“We received a strong signal for this restart which we will promptly transfer to UEFA.”
Rome is staging the opening game of the tournament between Italy and Turkey on June 11, before the Italians take on Switzerland and Wales. The Italian capital is also due to host a quarter-final game.
The number of fans who will be able to attend is unclear, but a government source told Reuters that the vaccination process is key.
Italy has the second-highest Covid death toll in Europe after Britain and fans have been banned from matches in Italy for the majority of the past year, apart from a brief period shortly after the start of the season.
But federation President Gabriele Gravina said allowing fans to attend would represent a significant moral boost.
“The willingness obtained from the Italian government is an excellent result that is good for the country, not just football,” he said.
Munich, another of the planned pan-European venues, says it already submitted updated plans to UEFA.
“It is of course conceivable and desirable that spectators can be in the stadium for the four games in Munich,” local authorities said Tuesday.
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