Two Brighton fans have been stabbed in Rome ahead of an Europa League match on Thursday afternoon, according to Italian media reports.
The pair, aged 28 and 29, were targeted by a group of seven people wearing masks just after midnight in the Monti neighbourhood, according to La Repubblica.
Wallets and documents were allegedly stolen and the victims received stab wounds to their legs.
They are said to have been disocvered by a restaurant worker who found them bleeding on a street floor.
The 28-year-old was reportedly stabbed in his left thigh three times before he was taken to San Giovanni hospital.
Similarly, the 29-year-old, who suffered several stab wounds to their right thigh, was taken to the Umberto I Polyclinic for treatment.
Both are understood to have been discharged now.
Police attended and are investigating, La Repubblica said.
Brighton play Roma in the first leg of the tournament's round of 16 match at Rome's Olympic stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Before the match, Brighton released a statement about safety information which included a warning of street crime in the area.
It said: “Street crime, including pickpocketing can take place in Rome.
“Be vigilant, take sensible precautions and have valid travel insurance.”
Liaison officers and the British Consulate have contacted the club about the incident.Sussex Police said: “Sussex Police can confirm our dedicated football officer, Pc Darren Balkham, is in Rome to work alongside our Italian counterparts and European partner agencies.”Around 3,500 Brighton supporters have travelled to Rome for the first leg of the round of 16 tie.
Italian boss De Zerbi said on Wednesday: "We'll see tomorrow whether the stadium will intimidate us or not.
“We played at Old Trafford and we won, we drew 2-2 in Marseille, we played at AEK Athens and we won.
“I know the push of the Olimpico, let's see tomorrow, it will be a test for us.”
