Up to a thousand spectators will be allowed at outdoor events from May 1 when Italy eases its stadium fan ban in regions less affected by the coronavirus, it was announced Friday.

Fans will be allowed to attend football, basketball and volleyball games in Italy's 'yellow zones', the government said.

It also means fans can attend the Rome Masters tennis event from May 9-16.

The country gave a green light this week for up to 17,000 fans to attend football's European Championship quarter-final in Rome on July 3.

Stadiums have been closed to fans in Italy since October.