A man was shot dead in Naples on Thursday after Napoli's Serie A title win, which had also been marred by violent clashes with Udinese fans.Needing just draw to seal the Scudetto for the first time since Diego Maradona inspired them to Italian football's top prize 33 years ago, an historic night for Napoli seemed set to be scuppered when Sandi Lovric gave Udinese a shock lead 13 minutes in.
But Victor Osimhen smashed in a 52nd-minute leveller and at the final whistle, the away fans lit flares and released smoke bombs before storming onto the pitch in celebration. Rival supporters were seen using to try and batter each other in chaotic scenes.
Around 60,000 Napoli fans packed into their home stadium to watch the match on live screens as Osimhen's goal sparked wild celebrations.
Earlier in the week, the US consulate had issued a security alert, warning "spontaneous celebrations could last multiple days" and saying "heavy traffic or road closures, significant use fireworks, and alcohol consumption throughout the city."
But police directives not to use fireworks in the Neapolitan city were roundly ignored, with the sky lit up as fans also sounded car horns amid bedlam on the streets. And the wild night of celebrations had fatal consequences, with one man killed and around 200 left injured.
The Daily Mail reports Vincenzo Costanzo, 26, died after being hit by a bullet fired from a gun during the street parties. Three others individuals were also injured in the incident, with police now investigating the circumstances.
Paramedics were called to the scene in the Ponticelli area of Naples, around an hour after the final whistle had sounded in Udinese. Police have also confirmed that the victim was found on the ground bleeding along with the three injured parties, one of which was his girlfriend, and all were immediately taken to hospital for treatment.
The shooting had followed ugly scenes on the pitch in Udinese, with anti-riot police forced to intervene after Napoli fans had fled onto the surface, only to be met by home supporters armed with belts and batons. Italian media later reported that six men were left needing treatment for non-serious injuries.
The harrowing scenes have again ignited the issue of whether leather straps should be permitted in stadiums in Italy. Ahead of England's Euro 2024 qualifier in Naples last March, the FA advised travelling fans that belts could be confiscated when passing through the policed ticket checkpoints. Even back in late 2017, Manchester City fans were banned from wearing the same item ahead of their Champions League game at Napoli. Those who transgressed had them confiscated outside the ground.
The authorities will now be braced with Sunday set to be another wild day, with Napoli fans set to welcome their heroes back to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Luciano Spalletti's side will host Fiorentina, with the 5pm kick off meaning another huge security operation is set to be in place.
