The Italian League and Players' Union has called off a player strike meaning the new Serie A season begins on Friday. The warring factions have agreed a temporary deal, which will run until the end of the 2011/12 season, and is designed to allow the football season to begin while the two parties continued to debate the two major sticking points.
"It was worth having such a tough negotiation because the clubs have achieved much of what they wanted," league chief Maurizio Beretta said.
Although agreement has temporarily been reached, AIC president Damiano Tommasi said it was thanks in most part to the players for compromising.
"We're going to play and I think that's thanks to the players for their good sense in these negotiations," explained Tommasi.
"If, as Beretta has said, the clubs have achieved a lot then it means we won't have much to discuss for the new contract that will replace this bridging deal."
A statement from the Italian Football Federation read: "An agreement was signed today by FIGC president Giancarlo Abete, Lega A president Maurizio Beretta and AIC (Italian Players' Union) president Damiano Tommasi for the new collective bargaining agreement. The contract will expire in June 2012."
