Coronavirus: Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani 'fine' after positive virus test

Daniele Rugani
Daniele Rugani took part in training at Juventus on Tuesday

Juventus and Italy centre-back Daniele Rugani says he is "fine" after testing positive for coronavirus.

The Serie A side activated "all the isolation procedures required by law", including for those who have come into contact with Rugani, 25,

All sport in Italy is suspended until 3 April, with the country in lockdown because of the coronavirus outbreak.

"You've read the news, so I want to reassure everyone who's worried about me, I'm fine," Rugani said on Twitter. external-link

"I urge everyone to respect the rules, because this virus makes no distinction! Let's do it for ourselves, for our loved ones and for those around us."

Former Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini, now at Sampdoria, has also tested positive for coronavirus.

The Italian club say the player is "doing well" and that they have activated the required isolation procedures.

"I still want to tell you that I'm fine, so don't worry. Follow all the rules, stay at home and everything will work out," said Gabbiadini on Twitter. external-link

Reuters have reported the entire Juventus squad will spend two weeks in quarantine.

Juventus are still due to host Lyon in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday.

Rugani has made only seven appearances for Juventus this season and was an unused substitute in his side's last match - a 2-0 win over Inter Milan held behind closed doors on Sunday.

Inter, whose Europa League game against Getafe that was set for Thursday has been postponed, said that "all competitive activities are suspended until further notice" following Rugani's positive test.

They added: "The club is taking steps to prepare all necessary procedures."

Meanwhile, Rugani's Welsh clubmate Aaron Ramsey is likely to miss his country's friendlies this month as a result of the nationwide lockdown in Italy.

Rugani has won four Serie A titles with Juve and played for Italy seven times, last featuring for the national team in 2018.

On Sunday he posted a photograph from the dressing room as he celebrated Juve's win over Inter with his team-mates.

On Wednesday, the Italian government announced more measures, including the closure of all shops except food stores and pharmacies.

Italy has more than 12,000 confirmed cases and a death toll of 827.

The Italian football federation said after a meeting on Tuesday that the Serie A season may not finish because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Alternative options include staging play-offs, not having a champion for 2019-20 or declaring the current standings final.

Elsewhere on the BBC