The mother of shot Napoli fan Ciro Esposito appealed for a “happy” match against Roma today amid tight security.
Napoli-Roma kicks off at the Stadio San Paolo at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The mother of shot Napoli fan Ciro Esposito appealed for a “happy” match against Roma today amid tight security.
Napoli-Roma kicks off at the Stadio San Paolo at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
This will be the first game between these teams since the horrific events in May, when Napoli fan Esposito was shot and killed by Roma supporter Daniele ‘Gaston’ De Santis.
The incident occurred several miles from the Stadio Olimpico, as Napoli fans were walking towards the arena for the Coppa Italia Final against Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”10″>Fiorentina and encountered local Roma ultras. A brawl erupted and De Santis fired his gun, striking Esposito in the back.
Giallorossi fans are barred from attending today’s game due to security fears and Esposito’s mother, Antonella Leardi, wrote an open letter in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Of course Napoli-Roma is an unusual game for me and my family after what happened, but I have only one strong desire: I’d like all of the fans at the San Paolo today to have the same spirit my son Ciro did when he went to see his beloved team.
“I remember when he walked out the door with the scarf round his neck. He was happy. Football was a celebration for him and I hope it can be a festival of football between Napoli and Roma.
“It must not be a sad day and it won’t be for me if the fans hold high the banner of sporting behaviour in the name of Ciro Esposito.
“He lives on in the hearts of those who love sport, the authentic sport that I will continue to fight for so that my son’s sacrifice was not in vain. I am a bringer of peace, but I demand nothing.”
There have been calls for the two captains, Francesco Totti and Marek Hamsik, to embrace on the field ahead of the match this afternoon.
“Nobody can bring my son back, but I did expect and still do expect a concrete gesture of love from the protagonists of this sport to bring peace to the Napoli and Roma fans.
“I spoke to many ultras and remain confident football can change, or at least go back to being a spectacle we can all watch together.
“I’d love to see Neapolitans and Romans mixed together in the crowd, but I know that won’t be possible today.
“We must all do something to ensure fans no longer cry in the stadium, the way they did on that tragic May 3. Tempers must be calmed, as football should bring only joy.
“I don’t think I will go to the stadium today. My granddaughter will come from Brescia and she was very fond of Ciro, so her arrival on this day represents a hope of happiness for my family.”
Esposito’s girlfriend will be in the stands in his usual season ticket seat.