The Italian Olympic Committee has confirmed that all sport in the country should be suspended until April 3 at the earliest due to the continued spread of the coronavirus.
The deadly disease has infected more than 110,000 people, with nearly 4,000 deaths worldwide.
Following the Covid-19 epidemic 20 days ago, Italy is struggling to contain the spread of the virus and space and beds are limited in intensive care units.
Leading Italian Serie A has already confirmed that all matches will be played behind closed doors until April 3.
“This situation has no precedent in history,” said a press release from CONI.
The Italian government must now issue a specific Prime Minister’s decree to confirm this decision, added CONI.
Earlier today, it was confirmed that the final phase of the Six Nations matches had to be postponed until October due to the coronavirus epidemic,
England’s game against Italy and France’s game against Ireland, both scheduled for Saturday, has already been canceled.
While Wales versus Scotland is slated to take place this weekend, French media Rugbyrama says the postponed matches of England and Ireland will not take place until October.
England is currently in pole position to win the tournament, after recovering well from its opening defeat against France with victories over Scotland, Ireland and, more recently, Wales.
The coronavirus epidemic continues to take its toll on sporting events around the world.
Last Saturday, the clash between the women and the six nations between Scotland and France was postponed after a home player tested positive for the disease.