Calls for calm in 1st Napoli-Roma since Esposito death

(ANSA) - Rome, October 31 - 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".