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Morten Thorsby

Coronavirus: Four positive tests at Sampdoria including recovered player

Serie A is attempting to ramp up its preparation for a return to action, with the season having been suspended since March.

Germany's Bundesliga will restart next week, and Italian clubs are testing their players in order to move forward with plans to get the season back up and running.

Torino revealed a positive test had been returned by a player on Wednesday, before Fiorentina confirmed six cases – including three players – on Thursday.

Sampdoria, who announced a clean bill of health last month after five players had recovered, then issued their own update, confirming they had quarantined four asymptomatic members of their squad.

"UC Sampdoria informs that, during the tests to which the players were subjected, three new positive results for COVID-19 and one return of positivity emerged," a statement read.

"Currently asymptomatic, they have been placed in quarantine and will be constantly monitored as per protocol."

Manolo Gabbiadini, Omar Colley, Albin Ekdal, Antonino La Gumina and Morten Thorsby previously tested positive, but Sampdoria did not disclose the identity of the latest cases.

Coronavirus: Four Sampdoria players test positive, along with team doctor

The Serie A club announced on Friday that Omar Colley, Albin Ekdal, Antonino La Gumina and Morten Thorsby all have the virus, which has spread rapidly across the globe in recent weeks, as does club doctor Amedeo Baldari.

Sampdoria confirmed 24 hours earlier that forward Manolo Gabbiadini had become the second Serie A player, after Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, to contract COVID-19.

Italy has been the country hit hardest – outside of China – by the pandemic, with the death toll standing at over 1,000.

The Italian government has suspended all sport until April 3 due to the outbreak and placed the country in lockdown, with all shops except food stores and pharmacies closing.

On Friday, the Premier League, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga followed suit, postponing all matches until the start of April, while LaLiga did so earlier in the week.

Coronavirus: Sampdoria squad cleared of COVID-19

Last month, Serie A outfit Sampdoria announced Manolo Gabbiadini, Omar Colley, Albin Ekdal, Antonino La Gumina and Morten Thorsby tested positive for coronavirus.

One of the club's medical staff also contracted COVID-19, which has wreaked havoc globally and brought sport to a standstill.

But on Thursday, Sampdoria announced that all members that had coronavirus previously are now free of the illness.

Serie A was suspended indefinitely in March due to COVID-19 and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has already stated that the 2019-20 season will not resume until the health and safety of all concerned can be guaranteed.

Italy's minister for sport Vincenzo Spadafora is hoping to confirm a May 4 date for the return to Serie A training as soon as possible, with the current restrictions on movement and outdoor activities set to end on May 3.

The FIGC said the season will be extended until August 2, providing extra time for clubs to finish the remainder of the campaign.

Juventus were a point clear of Lazio at the top of the table through 26 games when the league was halted.