The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) insists the 2020 European Football Championship will kick off in Rome as planned, despite the growing number of coronavirus cases in Italy.

Italy remains one of the worst-hit countries in Europe with over 650 infections and 17 deaths. Some Italian towns in the northern Lombardy and Veneto regions are in lockdown in order to quarantine the affliction.

The Italian government has cancelled a number of sporting events, except for the Serie A fixtures, which will be played behind closed doors – something which raised doubts for the four Euro 2020 tournament matches scheduled for Italy.

However, UEFA vice-president, Michele Uva, has confirmed that the governing body will keep it business as usual, whilst monitoring the spread of the contagion.

He said: “We are at the waiting stage. We are monitoring country by country, and football must follow the orders of the individual countries. The sporting path will only be closed if the situation gets worse.”

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