Upcoming matches in Italian Serie A and the Europa League will be played behind closed doors to combat the spread of the COVID-19, the Italian sports minister announced on Monday evening.

"Following the demands of the sports world and knowing that the ban on sporting events open to the public remains in force in six regions of northern Italy, we have agreed to the holding of matches behind closed doors," said Italy's sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora after a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Meanwhile, Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Association, said "We will probably have closed-door matches from Sunday."

"Playing all sports behind closed doors for the next week could be possible, because then fans can more easily stay at home," said Maurizio Casasco, president of the Italian federation for sports physicians. "But the clubs have to be in agreement.

"There's more than just football in Italy. It's an issue that regards all sports."

Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò said Sunday playing games behind closed doors was "problematic." However, it may be the only solution for now.

European football body the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) said they were monitoring any change in that situation.

UEFA Europa League match

Inter Milan vs. Ludogorets (February 28)

"In agreement with (the) UEFA, the Lombardy regional health authorities and Milan city council, our return game with Ludogorets will be played behind closed doors," an Inter statement said.

UEFA Champions League matches

Napoli vs. Barcelona (February 25)

Lyon vs. Juventus (February 26)

Lyon was in contact with UEFA and French authorities over concern about the 2,500-3,000 Juventus fans traveling over the border to a Champions League game in the French city on Wednesday.

Serie A matches

Atalanta vs. Sassuolo (postponed)

Hellas Verona vs. Cagliari (postponed)

Inter Milan vs. Sampdoria (postponed)

Torino vs. Parma (postponed)

Matches below will be played behind closed doors.

February 29

Lazio vs. Bologna

March 1

Juventus vs. Inter Milan

AC Milan vs. Genoa

(With input from agencies)

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