‘We were defenseless’: Virus left its mark on Italian soccer

ROME (AP) — Memories of the coronavirus’ impact are still fresh as Italian soccer prepares to restart this weekend with the Italian Cup semifinals. Many players and team officials in the Italian league contracted the virus. Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta says people were defenseless “even if you live inside the gilded world of soccer.” Juventus hosts Milan on Friday following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Napoli hosts Inter a day later having won the first leg 1-0. The final is scheduled for Rome next Wednesday. Fans will not be admitted to the matches.