The Serie A strike ended yesterday after the Italian players' association and league signed a temporary collective contract, clearing the way for the season to start this weekend.

The new contract expires in June, whereas usually the deals last three years. The players' strike postponed the scheduled start of Serie A the weekend of August 27-28, and both sides wanted to reach an agreement before the second round begins on Friday with defending champion AC Milan facing Lazio at the San Siro.