Serie A clubs have voted unanimously to cut wages by up to a third.

Nineteen of the league's twenty clubs agreed to the measure in a conference call on Monday. Juventus had already agreed their own system of cuts.

Wages will be cut by a sixth if the season cannot be completed, and a third if it does reach a conclusion.

A Lega Serie A statement says the cuts will apply to players, coaches and other first-team staff, and that they've been implemented to "to safeguard the future of the entire Italian football system".

The clubs must now approach all parties involved about the cuts after talks with the players' union brought no agreement.

Sport - much like society in general - in Italy is on-hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed nearly 16,000 lives.

The conference call involving clubs and Serie A officials stated their desire to see the Italian season completed but only when “health conditions and government decisions allow it".

Players union chief Damian Tommasi said before the meeting on Monday, "The goal is to finish the championship on the pitch, it’s the best way for all categories.

“The real risk, however, is needing to stop it here. We will have to deal with the lower leagues, with clubs that risk not being able to sign up for the next championships and players who risk losing their jobs.

A Lega Serie A statement read:

Lega Serie A is following developments in close coordination with UEFA, the FIGC and the ECA.

The desire to end the season and get back playing without taking risks was confirmed, but only when health conditions and government decisions allow it.

The assembly meeting today also analysed recommendations for the resumption of competitions and training sessions in various sports prescribed by the Italian Sports Medicine Federation, in light of the current health emergency.

The FIGC will issue the relevant medical-health regulations by this weekend.