Players' Association president Damiano Tommasi says they're working hard to end their strike.

The strike was called by the Players' Association to cancel Serie A's opening weekend when the union of clubs (Lega) refused to sign the collective bargaining contract.

"Our desire is to get back on the field," said players' representative and former AS Roma star Tommasi.

"I am optimistic, as in my view we have what it takes to reach an agreement before the second round.

"I would be surprised if we failed to find a deal again. It would be an important signal for Italian football if we got together and sorted things out to play the next round."