(foto: Aljoša Cankar)
Violence erupted at the Rome derby between Lazio and Roma, with over 20 police officers injured and the city mayor condemning the hooliganism.
The latest edition of the Derby della Capitale between Lazio and Roma ended in a goalless draw — but events off the pitch were far more dramatic, and far more concerning.
What should have been a celebration of Italian football turned into urban warfare in the streets of Rome. According to local authorities, fans from both clubs — two of the most passionate and intense rival bases in European football — clashed violently with police ahead of the Serie A match.
The unrest began when Lazio supporters attempted to break through a police cordon, sparking a series of confrontations. The result was widespread street violence, significant property damage estimated at tens of thousands of euros, and more than 20 injured police officers.
Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri sharply condemned the hooligans, saying their actions had ruined what should have been a celebration of football. “What we witnessed was urban warfare,” Gualtieri said, adding that such behaviour has no place in the capital.
Security was tight, with over 2,000 police officers deployed for the derby. Despite these efforts, law enforcement struggled to contain the violence that marred the matchday atmosphere.
Both Lazio and Roma have since publicly condemned the violence, calling on their fans to reject hooliganism and support the teams peacefully.
The Derby della Capitale is often known for its intensity, but this latest episode has reignited serious concerns about fan violence in Italian football — an issue that authorities will need to address swiftly, especially with more high-stakes matches to come.