A player strike looks likely to delay the start of the Italian Serie A season after unsuccessful talks to resolve a dispute on Thursday.

Players met with top-flight clubs to try to resolve a disagreement over the signing of a collective agreement concerning players' rights.

The Italian Players Union (AIC) is unhappy that the clubs are trying to force players to transfer in the last year of their contract.

"We said it several days ago and we repeat today - without the signing of the collective contract, the players will not go out on to the pitch on Saturday and Sunday," said AIC president Damiano Tommasi.

"We are now waiting for [Italian FA president Giancarlo] Abete's decision."

Eighteen of the 20 Serie A clubs voted against the players' proposal at the meeting in Milan.

Meanwhile, the clubs want players to pay a new tax that the Italian government has imposed on high earners in the country.

The Serie A season was due to start on Saturday with Siena against Fiorentina and Cagliari versus AC Milan.