As Europe’s football competitions start winding up to play again, some still have hurdles to overcome, such as Serie A obtaining government approval.

All games were suspended in early March when the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the Mediterranean country and strict lockdowns ensued, resulting in the cancellation of most sports and social activities.

The Italian football league has agreed to 13 June as the official restart date, but according to a statement released on their website, they are waiting on final word from the nation’s government.

Despite restrictions easing up in recent weeks – such as individual workouts at camps being allowed since 4 May – the concerns are mainly around safety procedures.

Strict testing of players and staff to prevent asymptomatic carriers from infecting others, as well as thorough monitoring of teams with away games, were under the spotlight.

The country’s sports minister, Vincenzo Spadafora, told the Italian Senate that “the government would take its time” with the decision.

Spadafora said: “The underestimation of [coronavirus] led a few weeks ago to the quarantine of several Serie A teams. We want to avoid finding ourselves in this situation.”