Serie A strike over,for now

The agreement was expected to stipulate that the sides reach a deal over the next 30 days on the last remaining conflict a clause concerning the rights of players to train with the first team. Clubs want the clause to state they can force unwanted players to train away from the first team or accept a transfer.

It was worth having such a fierce dispute, said Serie A president Maurizio Beretta. The clubs obtained a lot of what they wanted. Its a very innovative agreement.

Changes to the governments austerity package eliminated the other major conflict,a new solidarity tax that would have applied to high-wage earners like top-division footballers.

The players good will in these negotiations should be noted, players association president Damiano Tommasi said. If Beretta says the clubs obtained a lot,that should mean there wont be much more to discuss for the new contract that will last beyond this short-term deal.

Both sides were slated to meet with the government later to discuss new stadiums,brand protections and other issues. The conflict between the players and the league has been ongoing since the last collective contract expired in June 2010.

The most important thing was the will of the league to evaluate our proposal last week, Tommasi said.