AS Roma and Napoli both called
for calm on Friday, a day before the first match between the
sides since the death of Napoli fan Ciro Esposito.
Esposito, 29, died of his injuries on June 25 after being
shot by Roma fan Daniele De Santis in clashes before the Italian
Cup final in the capital on May 3.
A group of Roma fans have expressed solidarity with De
Santis, who is under investigation for homicide and argues he
fired in self-defence.
So there are fears Saturday's match in Naples could be
marred by trouble, even though away fans have been banned from
it.
"To me soccer must be a celebration, not a war," Roma
coach Rudi Garcia, whose side are level with Juventus at the top
of Serie A, told a press conference.
"There must be friendship and respect for the other
colors.
"Tomorrow....will be a good opportunity for everyone to
show they can think positively and with a lot of respect".
Napoli boss Rafa Benitez echoed those sentiments.
"The best way to honour Ciro's memory will be for the only
talk at the end of the match to be about what was seen on the
pitch, good football, and the result," said Benitez, whose side
were tipped as title contenders at the start of the season but
are currently lying seventh, seven points off the pace.
"We have to talk about football as the best way to
remember Ciro.
"We have to send a positive message in terms of sporting
culture, a message for the fans to go and see the match with
serenity and respect," added Benitez, whose side beat Fiorentina
3-1 in May's Cup final.
On Thursday Esposito's mother, Antonella Leardi, pleaded
for there to be no attempts to avenge her son and said she hoped
Italy could start to solve its long-standing problem with soccer
hooliganism.
"Violence and revenge are senseless," Leardi told ANSA.
"I hope that on Saturday love enters the stadium, which
today is a place of violence.
"On Saturday, I expect something beautiful from all the
Neapolitan fans, the start of a path that makes it possible for
the next match between the teams to be open to everyone".
Leardi also called on Roma captain Francesco Totti, Napoli
forward Gonzalo Higuain and the other players "to embrace on the
field to give a strong signal to the two sets of fans".
Totti said Friday his thoughts go out to the families who
lost loved ones due to football violence.
"I'm thinking of De Falchi, Sandri, Esposito," he said.
"I've always dissociated myself from all forms of violence and I
hope tomorrow will be a celebration of pure sport".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
