Napoli’s title win turns deadly: Fan shot and killed by ruthless hooligans armed with belts

Bloodbath in Napoli: Fan tragically killed by violent hooligans during title celebration

On Thursday, a man was shot dead in Naples following Napoli’s Serie A title win, which was also marred by violent fights with Udinese fans. With Napoli needing only a draw to win the Scudetto for the first time since Diego Maradona inspired them to the title 33 years ago, a historic night seemed doomed when Sandi Lovric gave Udinese a stunning lead 13 minutes in.

But Victor Osimhen equalized in the 52nd minute, and the away fans fired flares and unleashed smoke bombs before pouring onto the pitch in jubilation. In frenzied scenes, rival supporters were seen utilizing to try to batter each other.

Approximately 60,000 Napoli fans crammed into their home stadium to watch the game on live screens as Osimhen’s goal ignited wild celebrations.

The US consulate had issued a security advisory earlier in the week, warning that “spontaneous celebrations could last multiple days” and predicting “heavy traffic or road closures, significant use of fireworks, and alcohol consumption throughout the city.”

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However, police orders not to use pyrotechnics in the Neapolitan city were completely disregarded, with the sky lighting up as supporters sounded vehicle horns amid street chaos. And the wild night of revelry had terrible consequences, with one man killed and approximately 200 injured.

According to the Daily Mail, Vincenzo Costanzo, 26, died after being struck by a bullet fired from a rifle during the street festivities. Three other people were also hurt in the incident, which is being investigated by authorities.

An hour after the final whistle in Udinese, paramedics were called to the scene in Naples’ Ponticelli neighborhood. Police have also stated that the victim, along with the three injured persons, one of whom was his girlfriend, was discovered bleeding on the ground and were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The incident came after tense events on the pitch in Udinese, when anti-riot police were forced to intervene as Napoli fans fled onto the pitch, only to be confronted by home fans armed with belts and batons. Six males were later reported to be in need of treatment for non-serious injuries, according to Italian media.

The distressing pictures have reignited the debate over whether leather straps should be authorized in Italian stadiums. Before England’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Naples last March, the FA warned traveling fans that belts could be confiscated at ticket inspections. Even as recently as late 2017, Manchester City fans were prohibited from wearing the identical item before their Champions League game against Napoli. Those who broke the rules had their items taken outside the stadium.

Authorities are now bracing for another crazy day on Sunday when Napoli fans will welcome their idols back to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Luciano Spalletti’s team will face Fiorentina, with a 5 pm kickoff implying yet another massive security operation.