Italy will boost airport security and set up border checkpoints to stop England fans from sneaking in to watch the Three Lion's crunch Euro 2020 match with Ukraine in Rome.
Italian quarantine rules to slow the spread of the Delta, or Indian, variant mean arrivals from the UK need to self-isolate for five days upon arriving in the country.
This means it would be impossible for travelling Britons be out of quarantine in time for kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
While the Italian government has threatened rule-breakers with fines of up to £2,500 if they sneak in, officials still fear crafty fans might try to enter Italy via neighbouring European nations.
Italy will boost airport security (Fiumicino Airport in Rome, pictured) and set up border checkpoints to stop England fans from sneaking in to watch the Three Lion's crunch Euro 2020 match with Ukraine in Rome
Italian quarantine rules to slow the spread of the Delta, or Indian, variant mean fans from the UK need to self-isolate for five days upon arriving in the country. This means it would be impossible for travelling Britons be out of quarantine in time for kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico (pictured) on Saturday
While the Italian government has threatened rule-breakers with fines of up to £2,500 if they sneak in, officials still fear crafty fans might try to enter Italy via neighbouring European nations. Pictured: England fans in Leicester Square
Prefect of Rome Matteo Piantedosi has been in communication with police bosses to ensure safety measures are in place for the game.
Undersecretary for the Italian Ministry of Health Andrea Costa told The Sun: 'The rules are clear and concise - English fans will not be able to travel to Italy.
'There are currently five days of obligatory quarantine on arrival, so unless fans arrived before June 28 and completed quarantine, there is no point travelling to Rome.
'Those that do attempt it and are caught will be fined and punished.'
It was announced yesterday that the FA will not sell any of the 2,500 tickets made available for England fans to anyone with a UK address.
They have handed their allocation back to UEFA, who are working with the British embassy in Rome to ensure the tickets are sold exclusively to expats.
A rush for tickets was sparked after England's triumphant 2-0 win against Germany in Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.
Vadym Prystaiko said supporters will fly into Italy for the match on Saturday because they are a 'green zone' travel country due to a lack of Covid cases there
Ukrainian ambassador to the UK Mr Prystaiko told the BBC: 'Sorry to say but our people will find it easier travelling in. We are in the green zone for Europeans and we have so many Ukrainians to support them.' Pictured: Fans at the Ukraine/Austria match on June 21
In reference to his side's game against Sweden in Scotland last night (pictured), he said: 'I was actually surprised yesterday how many of us were here at the Glasgow stadium'
England fans cannot go to Rome for Euros quarter-final due to Covid rules - but an army of expats might step in
Britons living in locations including Munich, Germany, were among those seeking seats at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
Germany is participating in the EU digital Covid-19 certificate scheme which proves travellers have been vaccinated against the virus, or that they have returned a negative test in the 48 hours before travel.
As long as the traveller then fills out the EU passenger locator form, they are free to enter Italy without five days of quarantine.