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Coronavirus Fears Lead to Closed-Door Soccer Game in Italy

Alberto Lingria/Reuters

A soccer match in one of Europe’s biggest tournaments is to be played behind closed doors on Thursday as the authorities in Italy continued to restrict public gatherings amid ongoing concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus in the northern region of Lombardy.

The decision to play the game — the second leg of a Europa League knockout tie between Internazionale of Milan and Ludogorets of Bulgaria — without spectators comes after the Italian authorities postponed four league games last weekend, and as the widening health crisis has started to affect the European sports calendar.