Despite greeting Victor Osimhen into the stands before kick-off, Spezia supporters then launched into a series of horrifically offensive chants against Napoli, even mocking the death of Diego Armando Maradona.
The Partenopei emerged 3-0 winners at the Stadio Alberto Picco and before the game the atmosphere seemed to be warm and friendly.
Osimhen even clambered into the stands to personally apologise to a female supporter he had accidentally hit with a wayward shot during the warm-up.
However, some had to lower the tone and Spezia ultras were heard making numerous insulting and offensive chants during the match.
These included the usual calls for ‘Vesuvius wash them with lava’, but took an even uglier turn with twisted songs making fun of the death of Napoli legend Maradona.
The chants were roundly condemned in the media and by Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, who has a home in La Spezia and played here for several years.
“La Spezia means a great deal to me, I have many friends here, I come here every summer, so if they meet me in the street, those fans have to say the same things to my face,” said Spalletti in his press conference.
“I am not referring to any specific fanbase, but fans in general in stadiums – they need to stop making these chants against other teams. It is meant to be a moment when you come together and support your own squad, to enjoy the football.”