Ronaldo awaited as Serie A gets back training amid doubts

Cristiano Ronaldo has been recalled from Portugal as Serie A clubs get back to individual training on Monday after a two-month coronavirus lockdown, but doubts remain over whether the championship can return.

The interior ministry's go-ahead for players to return to club training facilities two weeks ahead of schedule has offered fans hope that the 2019-20 season might yet be saved.

The government was responding after regions that had avoided the worst of the pandemic took matters into their own hands and gave permission to clubs to open their facilities for players to train on their own.

But sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora has warned that although individual training can resume, training in groups must wait until May 18. And with Italy still in the grip of the pandemic which has killed nearly 29,000, it is uncertain whether matches will be able to restart.

"Nothing has changed compared to what I have always said about football," said Spadafora.

"Team training will not resume before May 18 and the resumption of the championship, for now, is not really discussed."
Spadafora added, as if to confirm his difficult relationship with professional football: "Now excuse me, but I'm returning to take care of all the other sports and sports centres (gymnasiums, dance centres, swimming pools) which must reopen as soon as possible."
- 'Cautious return' -
=====================
Inter Milan said "first-team players will, on a voluntary basis, be able to make use of the pitches at the Suning Training Centre in Appiano Gentile over the coming days for individual activities."
"We have approved an accelerated programme to do tests and fitness visits this week, in the next three to four days we will be ready for individual trainings."