Manolo Gabbiadini has tested positive for Coronavirus as the terrible news continues. The Sampdoria striker is now the second Serie A player to test positive for Covid-19 after Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani was also diagnosed. Both the player and his club confirmed this news earlier today.
"I've tested positive for coronavirus. I want to thank you all for the many messages I've received. I also want to let you know that I'm fine, so don't worry. Follow the rules, stay at home and everything will work out." https://t.co/w2UU3cwsN4
— Sampdoria English (@sampdoria_en) March 12, 2020
Manolo Gabbiadini Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Second Serie A Player With Virus
The former Southampton forward follows Juventus defender Daniele Rugani in testing positive for the COVID-19 respiratory illness. According to the statement put out by Sampdoria, Gabbiadini has a slight fever but is doing well otherwise. The 28-year-old has been put into isolation as per protocol.
Gabbiadini last came on the pitch on March 8. He played for an hour in the 2-1 win over Hellas Verona, with the game played behind closed doors due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Serie A matches are currently suspended until at least April 3. This news further worsens an already dire scenario in Italian football.
It is now likely that Sampdoria’s opponents Hellas Verona will also have to go into quarantine or isolation. Inter recently activated quarantine procedures when Daniele Rugani tested positive just days after their game against Juventus.
Italy now has almost 12,500 cases of Coronavirus now. After China, they are the worst-hit. 827 people have died already from this deadly virus. So far, only two footballers have contracted the disease which pales in comparison. However, the consequences of this are significant. Action looks far away from returning to the football pitch. One must wonder how wise it was to play the matches behind closed doors when the threat was already very real. Unfortunately, the bad news is unlikely to stop with Manolo Gabbiadini testing positive for Coronavirus. It is almost impossible that Gabbiadini will be the last footballer to catch Covid-19. One can only hope for this pandemic situation to ease up and things to get back to normal as soon as possible.
Affects in England
So far, there has not been a suspension of matches in England as a rule. Tuesday nights Premier League Tie between Manchester City and Arsenal was postponed after the Arsenal players came into contact with the Olympiakos owner, who himself had contracted the virus.
And today, three Leicester City players have all shown symptoms of the virus and are now self-isolating. The pandemic is continuing to spread, and surely it’s just a matter of time before matches here are truly affected.
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