MILAN – There will be soccer in Italy's top league this weekend after last-minute talks averted a strike by players.
The Italian Players' Association on Thursday withdrew its threat of a work stoppage after reaching an agreement on a labor contract two days earlier. The signing probably won't come until next week.
A key issue had been the union's refusal to accept a proposal allowing clubs to force players to train away from the first team or accept a transfer.
Italian league leader AC Milan plays at Bologna and second-place Lazio visits third-place Juventus on Sunday in the weekend's two biggest matchups. Milan leads with 33 points followed by Lazio with 30 and Juventus and Napoli with 27 each.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
ROME (AP) — There will be soccer in Italy's top league weekend after last-minute talks averted a strike by players.
The players' association met with league officials Tuesday and a new labor contract is to be signed shortly.
A key issue had been the union's refusal to accept a proposal allowing clubs to force players to train away from the first team or accept a transfer.
Italian league leader AC Milan plays at Bologna and second-place Lazio visits third-place Juventus on Sunday in the weekend's two biggest matchups. Milan leads with 33 points followed by Lazio with 30 and Juventus and Napoli with 27 each.
