Rome derby key test for barriers -Alfano

(ANSA) - Rome, December 1 - Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said Thursday that Sunday's derby between AS Roma and Lazio will be a test to see whether it is possible to remove barriers dividing the 'curve' end stands of the Stadio Olimpico.
    The barriers splitting the end stands were installed after several episodes of crowd trouble in Rome in recent years.
    But they are hugely unpopular with the 'ultra' hardcore fans of Roma and Lazio who fill the Curva Sud and Curva Nord respectively.
    Indeed, sections of the Stadio Olimpico are expected to be empty on Sunday due to protests over the barriers.
    "This could be a signal for the prefecture and the technical bodies that have to evaluate," Alfano said.
    "I'll be the first to be happy and say let's get rid of the barriers when the technical assessments say it can be done without running risks".