Genoa soccer team announces 14 COVID-19 cases as new wave of pandemic sweeps Europe

Posted Tuesday, September 29, 2020 by YAHOO Sport

As Europe is experiencing another wave of COVID-19 cases, Genoa soccer has been hit hard.

The Serie A team based in Northern Italy announced on Monday that 14 members of the team and staff have tested positive for COVID-19 following Sunday’s 6-0 loss to Napoli.

“Genoa CFC announces that after today's investigations the number of positive COVID-19 members has risen to fourteen members of team and staff members,” a team statement reads, per Google Translate. “The Company has activated all the procedures envisaged by the protocol in force and informed the authorities about the related procedures.”

Football Italia reports that up to 10 of the cases are believed to be among players. The outbreak is the largest for a European soccer team amid the latest wave of COVID-19 cases on the continent.

Game was played after 2 positive test results

Sunday’s game was postponed after the team announced that goalkeeper Mattia Perin had tested positive. The team later announced that midfielder Lasse Schone also tested positive, but Sunday’s game went on after the rest of the team tested negative ahead of the match.

Genoa announced last week that goalkeeper Mattia Perin tested positive for COVID-19.

Genoa’s next game is scheduled for Saturday against Torino and is obviously in jeopardy. Napoli players and staff members will need to undergo testing as well. They’re scheduled to play Juventus on Sunday.

Another COVID-19 wave sweeping Europe

The Premier League, meanwhile, announced on Monday that 10 players and staff members tested positive last week, the highest total since play resumed after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 20 players have tested positive in the Premier League since Sept. 12.

Europe is in the midst of a surge in COVID-19 cases, with some countries experiencing higher case numbers in recent weeks than during the initial wave of the pandemic as the seasons change and people relax social distancing measures.