adminROME. — Napoli host Roma today in a clash whose title repercussions could be eclipsed by the painful memories for the family of the last victim of Italian football-related violence.
The sides meet at Napoli’s San Paolo stadium for the first time since the death of 31-year-old Ciro Esposito, a Napoli fan who was killed by a hardline Roma “ultra” on the fringes of the Italian Cup final last May.
Esposito was allegedly shot by a former “ultra” leader, Daniele De Santis, who has since been arrested and is facing manslaughter charges.
When Esposito died on June 25, Napoli fans called for revenge.
At every Napoli home game, banners adorned with “Ciro Vive” (Ciro is alive) are regularly unfurled.
Faced with the prospect of violent clashes between Napoli and Roma fans, police have tightened security with all Roma fans banned from travelling to the game. While Esposito’s mother, Antonella Leardi has called for calm authorities have taken further measures by banning the sale of tickets to any fans from the larger Rome region of Latium.
In Italy, identity cards must be shown by fans when buying tickets.
Roma, who lost ground to Juve following a scoreless draw away to high-flying Sampdoria last weekend, are now back level on points with the league leaders after Juve’s first defeat of the season on Wednesday. — AFP.
Online Reporter