Last Update: January 09, 2023, 17:29 IST
AS Roma fans light a fire inside the stadium before the match (Reuters)
Football violence has a long history in Italy, where clubs have struggled to control the actions of hard-core ultra groups who are often accused of having links with criminal gangs.
Italian political leaders vowed to crack down on rowdy football fans on Monday after Roma and Napoli supporters clashed in a motorway service area, prompting authorities to briefly close a main road linking the north and south .
“The motorway was closed and Italian travelers were left stranded. Those guilty should pay from their own pockets for the damage, and never visit the stadium again,” said Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, head of the coalition League party.
Fans with a long history of hostility clashed in and around a motorway service station on the A1 motorway in Tuscany.
Militants from Napoli threw stones and smoke bombs at Roma fans passing by on the side of the road, who stopped their minivans to retaliate. Clashes between hooded youths spread to the courtyard of the service station before police restored order.
A Roma fan who required medical treatment following clashes was later arrested, while police said they would use video images to identify other suspects.
Napoli fans were heading north to Genoa for a game against Sampdoria, while Roma fans were also driving north on their way to Milan where their team faced AC Milan.
Football violence has a long history in Italy, where clubs have struggled to control the actions of hard-core ultra groups who are often accused of having links with criminal gangs.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)