Daniele Rugani: Juventus Defender Tests Positive For The Coronavirus

Juventus and Italy international defender Daniele Rugani has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and is ‘currently asymptomatic’.

The 25-year-old, who has started just three of Juventus’ matches this season in Serie A and seven in all competitions, has found himself on the bench for the majority of the campaign so far this season.

The Turin-based club announced the news this evening on their official website following his diagnosis.

“The footballer, Daniele Rugani has tested positive for Coronavirus-COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic,” read a statement.

“Juventus Football Club is currently activating all the isolation procedures required by law, including those who have had contact with him.”

Rugani was part of the squad that beat title rivals Inter Milan 2-0 behind closed doors on Sunday at the Allianz Stadium, and posted on Instagram following the dressing room celebrations after the game.

Maurizio Sarri’s side had a training session earlier today, which now means the Italian manager, his backroom staff and players have been put into quarantine.

The Italian government have suspended all matches in Serie A until April 3, and Juventus were set to face Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League next week, which will now most likely be suspended. Meanwhile, the Italian football federation (FIGC) confirmed on Tuesday that the Serie A season might not conclude due to the outbreak.

The coronavirus, which has so far struck over 12,000 Italians, killing 827 people is continuing to spread not just in Italy, but across the globe and people are reminded to take appropriate precautionary measures, such as washing hands thoroughly, as well as wearing face masks and gloves to stay protected.

Rugani, who joined Juve from Empoli in 2015, is the first Serie A player to be diagnosed with the coronavirus and an extra 196 fatalities were registered over the last 24 hours alone in the country. Hannover 96 defender Timo Hubers currently remains in quarantine and became the first footballer to contract the virus.

Following the announcement, Juve winger Federico Bernardeschi claimed he was going to self-isolate himself in the Juventus hotel to ensure his family remain protected following the spread of the virus.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also remained in Madeira after his mother suffered a stroke a few days ago, and the 35-year-old will continue to reside in his homeland. This is due to Rugani being tested positive, and not because of the initial flight ban between Italy and Portugal.

Juventus’ clash against Lyon is expected to be postponed, whilst Inter Milan’s Europa League match with Getafe and Roma’s trip to Sevilla on Thursday have both been cancelled and are set to be rescheduled.