Football news - Italy approves fans presence at upcoming Euro 2020 championship

ByReuters

Updated 13/04/2021 at 16:36 GMT

Italy's government will allow fans to attend upcoming European soccer championship matches slated for Rome with "at least 25% of capacity" for the stadium, the soccer federation (FIGC) said in a statement. Rome's Olympic stadium is due to host the tournament's opening match, Italy vs Turkey, on June 11 and three other games.

A general view during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Torino FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 02, 2021 in Rome, Italy

Image credit: Getty Images

The Italian government will permit fans to attend this summer's Euro 2020 championship games, with Rome's Olympic stadium scheduled to host the first game.

Stadiums will be allowed to welcome fans up to 25% occupancy, which will allow social distancing to be enforced amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

"The government approval of the public's presence at Rome's Euro 2020 matches is wonderful news that we will immediately pass on to UEFA," FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said in a statement.

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"The message that the government sends to the country is one of great confidence and extraordinary vision.

"Italy is showing courage, that it is fighting against the pandemic and at the same time working to restart safely according to a clear and defined programme and schedule."

Rome's is due to host three group games -- including the tournament's opening match between Italy and Turkey on June 11 -- and one quarter-final.

Italy has registered 115,088 deaths linked to COVID-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain. The country has reported 3.79 million cases to date.

Other governments will decide their own restritcions, should they choose to alter current guidance.