A sign at a pharmacy says face masks are sold out in Venice, during the Carnival festivities. The last two days were canceled due to an outbreak of the COVID-19, in northern Italy. Italy reported on Monday at least fifth death from the new coronavirus, and the number of people contracting the virus continued to mount. Photo: AFP

 

The surge in the number of new coronavirus cases in Italy hit sporting events on Sunday, notably top-flight football with four Serie A matches postponed.

The match between Torino and Parma in the northern city of Turin was called off following earlier postponements of games between title-chasing Inter and Sampdoria, Atalanta and Sassuolo, and Hellas Verona and Cagliari.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that all sporting events in two northern regions would be suspended on Sunday, with the number of confirmed cases doubling during the day from 79 to 152 in an outbreak that has claimed three lives in the country.

"Now more than ever we have a duty to be prudent and responsible," Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said.

"It is necessary to act seriously and determinedly, while maintaining calm and not taking any unnecessary risks."

AC Milan also announced on Sunday the postponement of their women's team's match against Fiorentina, while five Serie C games programmed for next Wednesday have been postponed.

Juventus confirmed that the museum within their Allianz Stadium would remain closed until February 29.

Other sports were also hit with the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) confirming that in line with government instructions, all events in the Lombardy and Veneto regions would be postponed.

These two regions in the north of the country are those where the majority of new infections have been identified. 

"We agree and align with the government's provisions," said CONI president Giovanni Malago. "I believe that at this moment the world of sport should not go its own way. Health is the primary concern."

In tennis, the final of the Bergamo Challenger event was cancelled with Ukraine's Illya Marchenko and Enzo Couacaud of France splitting honours, with both receiving finalist points and prize money for the week, organisers confirmed.

The women's Six Nations rugby clash between Italy and Scotland, scheduled to take place in Legnano, north of ­Milan, has been postponed to a later date.

On Saturday more than 40 amateur and youth matches in the regions were called off because of virus fears with the Serie B game between Ascoli and Cremonese also postponed.

Italian football chiefs face a scheduling headache in an already congested calendar, in particular for Inter Milan.

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has convened a task force of federation doctors for Monday morning to advise on the situation.

Inter's home Europa League match scheduled for Thursday against Bulgarian club Ludogorets could be played behind closed doors, according to Italian media reports. The club also have an Italian Cup match while the season cannot be pushed beyond May 24 because of the start of Euro 2020.

Juventus also host Inter Milan next weekend with AC Milan and Genoa scheduled to play in the San Siro.

Next week's Champions League games are not at risk for now as the game between Napoli and Barcelona takes place in southern Italy.