FA still planning for England to face Italy in friendly despite coronavirus outbreak… against Government advice
THE Football Association are still planning for England's clash with Italy to go ahead later this month - despite being in complete contradiction of government advice.
The Three Lions are due to face the Italians at Wembley on March 27, one of the final two friendlies before Gareth Southgate names his squad for Euro 2020.
But the foreign office have advised all people arriving in the UK from Italy to self isolate for 14 days to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
And that means the Italian squad would have to arrive in England by tomorrow at the latest if they are to see out their quarantine period in time for them to play the match.
In reality, such a move is unlikely to happen - yet despite what appears an obvious reason for calling the match off, FA bosses are continuing in the belief that the match will be played.
The game against Italy comes four days before the friendly with Denmark which is also due to be staged at Wembley.
An FA statement said: "We continue to follow Government advice and no special measures are being proposed at this moment in time."
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On Wednesday, Arsenal's Premier League trip to Manchester City was postponed as a precaution following the Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis' coronavirus diagnosis.
The Greek businessman tested positive this week but attended Emirates Stadium for his side's Europa League win less than two weeks ago.
Despite the club admitting that the chances of their staff becoming infected were "extremely low", the decision was taken to place them in quarantine.
Matches across the Champions League and Europa League will take place behind closed doors amid the virus outbreak with LaLiga and Ligue 1 implementing the measure for the next two matchdays.
