ROME: The Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani and Sampdoria forward Manolo Gabbiadini have both tested positive for coronavirus as the health crisis reaches into the dressing rooms of Italian football.

Juventus said Rugani, a 25-year-old defender, is currently not showing signs of any Covid-19 symptoms, but has received confirmation afer tests that he has contracted the illness.

Rugani, who has made seven appearances in all competitions for Juventus this season, was named as a substitute during the club’s last game, a 2-0 win over Inter Milan on March 8 which took place behind closed doors.

He was the first Serie A player infected  after the cases in Serie C at Pianese and Reggio Audace.

A Juventus statement said: “The footballer Daniele Rugani has tested positive for coronavirus-Covid-19 and is currently asymptomatic. Juventus Football Club is currently activating all the isolation procedures required by law, including the census of those who have had contacts with him”.

Inter have announced that, in these circumstances, they would test and quarantine their own players and staff.

Gabbiadini’s positive test was confirmed by Sampdoria. Later he issued a message on social media to reassure fans that he was well.

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