Pro Vercelli coach Alberto Gilardino is confident Italy will bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.

Gilardino admits he finds the situation "surreal".

“I was a footballer for 18 years and in the last two years I have started my coaching career," he told La Stampa. “I'm not used to being still. I have always spent very little time at home.

“Italy stopping completely is surreal. The lads are training at home with specific programmes and it's not easy.

“I express their positivity, I tell everyone not to worry and when we return to the pitch, we will make up for this period. Now we need to use our heads, stay at home and do what we need to do to keep the virus from spreading.

“Our mindset will change. This blow, from a human perspective, will have positive repercussions. In difficult times, Italy knows how to give its best and get back up. There will be a great desire to start again."