There is tension ahead of Roma-Juventus, as it’s rumoured Napoli fans could try to take revenge, while Giallorossi ultras investigate the shooter.
There is tension ahead of Roma-Juventus, as it’s rumoured Napoli fans could try to take revenge, while Giallorossi ultras investigate the shooter.
This will be the first match played at the Stadio Olimpico since last Saturday’s Coppa Italia Final, which was marred by the shooting of Napoli supporter Ciro Esposito.
The incident occurred in the Tor di Quinto area of the city, so beyond the perimeters set up by police, and is believed to be an ambush by Roma ultras on visiting Napoli fans.
At first it was claimed only one shooter was responsible – 48-year-old Daniele De Santis, known as Gastone – who had been banned from games for some years already.
However, police now believe there were at least five and possibly as many as 10 people involved in organising the ambush.
Roma-Juventus was brought forward to 16.45 UK time (15.45 GMT) amid security fears around the match.
Some Napoli ultras have warned they will infiltrate the groups of supporters going to the Olimpico in order to ‘avenge’ the shooting of Esposito.
This is the exact opposite of what Esposito’s mother wants, as she publicly called for this game to be ‘dedicated’ to Ciro.
“Don’t let them shoot Ciro again. Stay united, dedicate this game to Ciro, let it be a match of heart and not of violence,” appealed Antonella Leardi.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport insists Roma ultras are furious with those who organised the ambush and are conducting their own investigation to root out the perpetrators.
They consider the attack to be ‘unauthorised’ and breaking all rules of ultras tactics, as it involved the use of guns, was a surprise ambush and the other members of the group abandoned De Santis to his fate.
It is therefore possible the police will collaborate with organised Roma ultras groups to find those responsible for last week’s shocking incident.