Serie A to return June 20 amid coronavirus pandemic

Italy's Serie A didn't want the English Premier League to have all the glory on Thursday.

The same day the Premier League announced it will return amid the coronavirus pandemic on June 17 with a pair of fixtures, Italy sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora confirmed his country's top-flight competition is set to resume play on June 20.

Per Omnisport and Yahoo Sports, Spadafora said:

"Italy is starting up again and it is only right that football does, too.

"The league resumes on June 20 — I have already consulted with prime minister (Giuseppe) Conte. I hope we can complete the Coppa Italia in the week from June 13 to 20. It would be a signal to the benefit of all Italians, given it's the competition shown on public service [television].
"My wish is coming true for the whole world of sport to start again at the same time. We deny the story that I had any reservations about the world of football."

The majority of Serie A clubs had 12 matchdays remaining on their domestic calendars when the season was halted in March due to the devastating virus outbreak. 

Juventus are on 63 points and one point ahead of Lazio atop the table. Atalanta are three points ahead of Roma for the final available Champions League berth, with Napoli in sixth and six points back of Roma. 

Brescia (16 points) and SPAL (18 points) are likely to be relegated. Both Lecce and Genoa are on 25 points, with Sampdoria on 26, Torino on 27 and Udinese on 28.