Football

Dries Mertens' novel way to train amid coronavirus quarantine and Italy lockdown


Napoli star Dries Mertens has discovered a novel way to train amid the coronavirus pandemic that has Italy in lockdown.

Mertens is currently not playing as Serie A has been suspended indefinitely, with Italy the worst-hit country in Europe by Covid-19.

But with players and staff from several Italian teams in quarantine, the Belgium striker took to Instagram to show how he is keeping up the training.

He posted a video with the caption: “My greatest advice in life: ‘a little bit of wine is the solution to a lot of problems’.”

In the video, 32-year-old Mertens can be seen weightlifting with a huge wine bottle as he keeps himself strong in the face of the pandemic.

Dries Mertens is out of action at the moment with Italy in lockdown and Serie A suspended

By Sunday, Italy had recorded more than 1,440 deaths due to coronavirus, with the World Health organisation having declared Europe the new epicentre of the outbreak.

So far 11 players have confirmed positive for coronavirus in Italy so far. Seven of those are at Sampdoria, there are three at Fiorentina – including on-loan Wolves striker Patrick Cutrone – while Daniele Rugani of Juventus was the first Italian player to confirm a positive test.

Serie A champions Juventus, plus Inter Milan, Sampdoria, Udinese, Fiorentina and Hellas Verona all have players and staff in quarantine.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who is on loan at AC Milan, has described what it’s like to be in Italy at the moment with the country in lockdown.

“The streets are deserted,” said Begovic. “The only thing open are supermarkets. You can get a little bit of food and then it’s straight back to your home. It’s crazy.”

He added: “You feel for the country, with a lot of deaths and people being infected. It’s devastating and heartbreaking for the people.”

Reports in Italy on Sunday claimed that teams plan to resume training in mid-April with a view to the league re-starting on the weekend of May 2.

Meanwhile, the head of the Italian FA has insisted Euro 2020 must be postponed to allow national leagues to complete their seasons.

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has called on UEFA to postpone this summer’s Euro 2020 finals until next year

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Coronavirus in sport

UEFA will hold a summit on Tuesday to discuss re-scheduling all its competitions.

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said: “Our first objective, compatible with the general situation in the country, is to conclude the Serie A season as planned.

“On Tuesday we will propose to UEFA to postpone the European Championship.”





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