General view of Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. /CFP
Spectators will be allowed for the UEFA Euro Championship games at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, capital of Italy, with "at least 25 percent of capacity" of the stadium, announced the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The top national team football tournament of Europe was postponed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and is scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 11 in 12 cities. There will be a total of four games happening at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, including the opener between Turkey and Italy. Italy are in Group A with Turkey, Switzerland and Wales.
The UEFA has required permission for fan attendance for every game or the host city will be replaced.
Players of Italy celebrate after scoring a goal in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying game against Greece at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, October 12, 2019. /CFP
"The government approval of the public's presence at Rome's Euro 2020 matches is wonderful news that we will immediately pass on to UEFA," said Gabriele Gravina, president of FIGC in a statement. "The message that the government sends to the country is one of great confidence and extraordinary vision."
"Italy is showing courage, that it is fighting against the pandemic and at the same time working to restart safely according to a clear and defined programme and schedule."
Italy has the second-highest deaths resulted by the coronavirus in Europe – 115,088, only after Britain – since its outbreak in February 2020. So far, the country has reported 3.79 million cases.
That's why the technical scientific committee (CTS), which has been Italy's COVID-19 protocols, is unwilling to commit to the 25-percent capacity. There is still time before the European Championship begins but a lot of work can and must be done before that.