Halted since March 9th because of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, there were hopes that the season could resume on June 13th, but things have been delayed after confusion as to what government technical and scientific experts were actually advising.
Clubs had begun training again on an individual basis two weeks ago when lockdown measures in the country were eased, and were scheduled to begin full training again on Monday.
However, the scientific panel which advises the Italian government has not given the sign-off for this, whilst, at the weekend, the ban on competitive sport in Italy was extended until June 14th, necessitating a further delay.
One of the main bones of contention is what happens if a player tests positive for coronavirus? The government insists that, if one member of the team is found to have contracted it, then the whole squad must enter quarantine for a 14-day period. The clubs argue that just isolating the player concerned is enough the procedure which is being followed in Germany where the Bundesliga has been allowed to resume.
Another proposal which some clubs are struggling to accept because of the logistical challenges which it poses is that each squad should be required to completely isolate themselves in a training camp before the resumption of the season.
Meanwhile, doctors and other club medical staff are concerned about an increased incidence of injuries if players are rushed back to action too soon, because they have not had time to train properly after weeks of inactivity during the lockdown. And they have some justification for their concerns, given what happened in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The six games played saw eight players pick up injuries, in part due to a lack of match fitness.
The Italian football federation (FIGC) are still determined to finish the season but there are still considerable roadblocks which need to be overcome before clubs will be in a position to do so.