Juventus Center Back Daniele Rugani Tests Positive for Coronavirus

The coronavirus epidemic in Europe has put soccer completely on hold in Italy in the name of public health. Despite valiant efforts, the number of coronavirus cases keep increasing across the country. Even star soccer players aren't safe.

Juventus center back Daniele Rugani tested positive for the coronavirus, giving him the dubious distinction of becoming the first player in Europe's top five leagues confirmed to have been infected.

While China, the country in which coronavirus originated, has nearly 80% of all confirmed cases, Italy is second in terms of infections with 12,000. Serie A has been suspended, the country is on lockdown, and all non-pharmaceutical stores have been closed.

Rugani, 25, came up through the youth ranks of Serie B side Empoli before Juventus made him a first-team player in 2015. The promising Italian has played in 94 games for the Bianconeri, scoring seven goals. Due to injury and the fact manager Maurizio Sarri doesn't favor him, Rugani has only made seven appearances for Juventus this season.

We wish Rugani a quick and speedy recovery.