Italian Soccer Players Call Off Second Strike

Italian soccer players on Friday called off what would have been their second strike this season, agreeing to take the field on April 20.

After 8 hours of discussions, the players decided to play while negotiations with the Italian soccer federation continued. A session was scheduled for next Thursday at the prime minister’s office, the Italian news agency ANSA said. Deputy Premier Lamberto Cardia will meet with soccer representatives in an effort to get both sides closer.

ANSA added that if there is no progress the players could decide on April 22 to call another strike before the season ends May 12.

In March, an unprecedented strike by the Italian Soccer Players Association postponed all nine first-division matches on March 17.

The union wants more say in Italian soccer federation matters by gaining voting representation on the council that oversees the sport in Italy.