Six Nations: Italy v England to be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus

England’s Six Nations clash with Italy will be played behind closed doors after the Italian government decided to close all sporting events to fans in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The north of Italy has been hit by the virus and Italy has become Europe’s worst-hit country with 3,090 cases and 107 deaths.

Ireland’s men’s and women’s Six Nations games against Italy this weekend have already been cancelled and now English fans will be unable to watch their matches live.

England’s women’s team are due to take on Italy on 15 March, while the men’s have a crucial clash against the Italians on 14 March.

The government issued the decree on Wednesday and the ruling affects all sport across Italy, even in areas not hit by coronavirus.

France currently lead the Six Nations table on 13 points after three games, with Ireland and England both on nine points.

Pro 14 matches and Serie A games will be affected, while Italian cup games between Juventus and AC Milan and Napoli and Inter Milan was postponed this week.

The Premier League are putting measures in place should they need to cut short the season and have written to clubs offering advice on how to deal with coronavirus.

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