The players’ association and the league were due to sign a temporary collective contract that will last through the end of this season.

The strike postponed the scheduled start of Serie A the weekend of Aug. 27-28, and both sides want to reach an agreement before the second round begins Friday with defending champion AC Milan facing Lazio at the San Siro.

Players’ association president Damiano Tommasi tells RAI state radio that “all the elements are in place to sign today. Experts are working out the last details.”

After the contract is signed, both sides were slated to meet with the government to discuss new stadiums, brand protections and other issues.