While the COVID vaccine could become compulsory for Premier League players and staff, in Italy the Players’ Association are only urging their members to get the jab.
There have already been Coronavirus cases in pre-season training in Serie A, most notably 15 at Spezia, and the club’s medical staff blamed two players who refused to get the vaccine.
Now the concerns are growing that anti-vax players and staff will put the others in danger and risk the league grinding to a halt yet again.
The Premier League will reportedly make vaccination mandatory for anyone wishing to play during the 2021-22 season, as new Government guidance means negative tests are no longer enough.
However, in Italy the authorities insist they cannot force anyone to be vaccinated, instead working on a campaign of persuasion.
The AIC (Italian Players’ Association) got involved by releasing an open letter to all their members.
“Vaccination will help you look after yourself, your teammates and your families,” read the letter.
They are also urging everyone to get the vaccine during their traditional pre-season visits to the training camps.