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Fans wore masks during Lecce’s match versus AS Roma.

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Getty/NurPhoto

Five soccer matches in the Italian top flight will be played behind closed doors in empty stadiums this weekend in the country’s latest attempt to contain its rampant coronavirus outbreak.

Italy is the most infected country outside of Asia, with at least 229 cases and seven deaths having been confirmed. A dozen towns, including Milan and Venice, have been placed on lockdown, with travel prevented in or out.

The Italian Football Federation says it sent an official request to the government to close off the matches to the public in the impacted regions, which, according to ANSA, has now been approved.

Amongst the games that will be played behind closed doors is the clash between league leaders Juventus and Inter Milan on Sunday. The fixture is being pegged as a potential title decider, with the two clubs placed just six points apart at the top of the Serie A table.

Juventus is currently first and Inter are third, though Antonio Conte’s side have a game in hand and a superior goal difference, meaning a win over Juventus would place it in poll position in the race for the league title.