Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini has tested positive for coronavirus becoming the second Serie A player to fall victim to the pandemic.

Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was the first Serie A player to contract the killer-bug on Wednesday.  

Sampdoria say 28-year-old Gabbiadini, who used to play for Southampton in the Premier League, has been placed in quarantine and that the club are “activating all the procedures of isolation laid out in the rules”.

“UC Sampdoria announce that player Manolo Gabbiadini has tested positive for Coronavirus-COVID-19. He has a slight fever, but is doing well. The club is activating all the procedures of isolation laid out in the rules,” the club’s statement read.

Gabbidaini, who is an Italy international, has also played for Napoli and Bologna. 

Italy has been grappling with a monumental coronavirus crisis which is the worst in the world after China where the virus originated.

Over 10,000 cases and 900 deaths have been recorded and the country has been locked down as authorities battle to stem the tide of the epidemic.

All sporting events have been shut down and Serie A has been postponed until 3 April at least.