The final Serie A match of the season between Spezia and Napoli was halted after just 12 minutes following ugly clashes between fans behind Alex Meret’s goal, which spilled onto the pitch.
The situation erupted with Napoli leading 1-0 thanks to a Matteo Politano strike.
There was no reason for tension, because Spezia were already safe in Serie A and Napoli had secured third place.
It’s not clear how it started, but there was a thin line of stewards and a small barrier separating the two sets of ultras in the curva behind Meret’s goal.
According to DAZN, they began throwing things at each other, including fireworks, flags and plastic seats.
Players and both coaches rushed over in a bid to calm their supporters down, but some Spezia fans broke onto the pitch and were stopped by their players from reaching coach Thiago Motta, who is reportedly leaving the club.
Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne, who were on the Napoli bench, sprinted over to speak with the Napoli ultras and urge them to stop throwing things.
Play finally resumed after circa 11 minutes.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Napoli fans considered it a ‘revenge’ attack for Spezia supporters ambushing some of their rivals before the match.
Le immagini degli scontri tra tifosi #Spezia e #Napoli #SpeziaNapoli pic.twitter.com/FWdSFgpJbL
— Claudio Russo (@claudioruss) May 22, 2022
It is sad for Calcio, and Italy, to see grown men acting like animals. Setting a horrible example for their children and kids across the country.