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      England fans to be bussed to stadium ahead of Italy Euros qualifier in huge security operation after yob mayhem fears

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      A HUGE security operation was launched to shield 2,500 England fans amid fears of yob mayhem before tonight’s World Cup qualifier in Naples.Fans have been asked to gather at the crime-plagued city’s port area to be ferried on 23 buses to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium tonight to avoid Napoli’s notorious Ultra gangs.
      England fans have gathered in Naples ahead of tonight’s gameCredit: Darren Fletcher
      Supporters have been enjoying a drink – despite a booze banCredit: Rex
      Fans will be bussed to the game to avoid violenceCredit: Darren Fletcher
      It’s feared Hammers hoolies and Lazio ultras are planning to ambush fans of Lazio’s hated rivals NapoliCredit: Corbis – Getty
      But authorities fear breakaway groups – including West Ham yobs teamed with Napoli’s hated rivals Lazio – are planning a showdown.
      Large groups of England fans were visible in bars and cafes but stayed low key with the majority wearing no team colours and there were no early reports of trouble.
      But they were being eyed by groups of local youth as they drank beer in pavement cafes before the kick off at 8.45pm local time.
      And police reinforcements have been drafted in to protect Three Lions followers at potential flashpoints along routes to the match at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
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      Tonight’s game will be England’s first since the Qatar World Cup and the first competitive clash with Italy since our heartbreaking penalties defeat at the Euro 2020 Final.
      Fans were urged to gather in the port area of the tough southern city to board a fleet of buses at 4pm to avoid Ultra ambushes.
      But early signs suggested many fans would shun the protected route and stay within the warren of streets in the city centre until closer to kick-off.
      Police securing the “high risk” fixture asked England fans not to wear belts at the game amid fears that they – like local yobs – could use them as weapons.
      Most read in Football
      An alcohol ban was also put in place from 7am – midnight on the day of the match around the stadium and from midday in the city centre.
      But many bar owners appeared to be ignoring police instructions with travelling fans seen quaffing beer long after the lunchtime deadline in the city.
      Tension simmered amid fears of yob violence led by “twinned” hooligan firms, as reported in Sun Online yesterday.
      Sources in Rome reported English West Ham thugs had arrived in the Italian capital and had joined “Ultra” comrades from the city’s Lazio club.
      Police and security forces were said to be on “maximum alert” amid reports the teamed-up troublemakers were heading 140 miles north east to Naples.
      Hammers hoolies and Lazio Ultras were planning to ambush fans of Lazio’s hated rivals Napoli ahead of the England game, it was claimed.
      Corriere dello Sport, Italy’s leading sport paper, reported sweaters bearing West Ham logos were seen on Sunday when violence erupted at Lazio’s derby game against Roma.
      It could not be verified that the wearer of the Hammers shirts were English – but the paper reported authorities were taking the threat of further coordinated violence in Naples seriously.
      Only last week, 470 Eintracht Frankfurt ultra fans – who had been banned from Naples’ Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for a Champion League match against Napoli – ran riot.
      Cars were set on fire and cops pelted with missiles as they struggled to separate the Germans from 300 Napoli Ultras, who also turned on security forces.
      In September 2019, two Liverpool fans were hurt by flying bottles hurled by Napoli yobs – who are famed for cowardly “calling card” knife attack to their victims’ buttocks.
      But Italy’s soccer federation decided to stage the Three Lions’ crucial World Cup qualifier in Naples – their first match since the Qatar World Cup – despite security concerns.
      And around 2,500 England fans are due to begin arriving in Naples today ahead of the big game.
      West Ham yobs’ were allegedly involve in trouble before the Lazio v Roma game on Sunday, Il Napolista reports
      Lazio’s feared Ultras were also reported to have been joined by other “twinned” yobs from across Europe who connect using social media and the dark web.Levski Sofia in Bulgaria and Real Madrid have ties with Lazio while Roma were said to be backed by foreign legions from Dinamo Zagreb and Atletico Madrid.
      Security concerns rose after a “friendly” football match between England and Italy supporters was axed on Monday after notorious Naples hooligans warned they would launch an attack.
      Italian “Ultra” yobs emailed the England fans’ team boss warning 60 soccer savages would “get them” – forcing the game to be called off.
      Garford Beck, the boss of England men’s supporters’ team, said the “threatening” email he received read: “You advertise this game for us to see where you’ll be – we will be there.
      “60 ultra to get you. Be warned.”
      Mr Beck said he asked his Italian counterpart to show the email to Italian authorities and the game was called off after security chiefs responded: “We are very concerned.”
      The Italian Football Federation has now informed Mr Beck the game has been cancelled after leas from the English FA.
      Mr Beck said: “They are treating it very seriously and have judged it to be a viable threat. Safety has to be our priority and we would have been an easy target for these people.
      “They normally come tooled up to the hilt so it could have been a very nasty situation had I not opened that email.”
      Mr Beck said England fans had played their Italian counterparts in Milan in September last year – to coincide with a Nations League game – without any issues.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “There’s been no hint of anything until I opened that email.
      “We’re just out there to get together with whoever it is we’re playing, have a game of football, have a few beers and go off to the match, it’s nothing more than that really.”
      Hooligans linked to Napoli are also known for their extreme violenceCredit: AFP
      Eintracht Frankfurt fans during a Champions League match against NapoliCredit: Getty
      The carnage spilled onto the streets of Naples following a clashCredit: Rex
      Cars were torched and shop fronts were vandalised near the Diego Armando Maradona StadiumCredit: Rex More

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      Meet England v Italy Wags, from a stunning DJ to a glam air stewardess and childhood sweethearts

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      IT promises to be a fiery clash in Naples.England take on Italy at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, in their first Euro 2024 qualifier.
      Georgina Irwin is the stunning fiancee of Arsenal and England shotstopper Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Instagram @georginamay_
      Gorgeous Georgina used to be a flight attendant for British AirwaysCredit: Rex
      The likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison will be hoping for more game time, while Roberto Mancini’s men will desperate to show they are not a spent force after missing out on the last World Cup.
      Cheering on the two sides will be their stunning Wags.
      From a glam DJ to beautiful air stewardess, here are the partners of the two teams.
      Georgina Irwin
      26-year-old Georgina met goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in 2019, and they are now engaged.
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      The blonde beauty is former a flight attendant who worked with British Airways.
      She has become a huge favourite on social media and boasts over 18,000 followers.
      And judging by her Instagram, she just loves travelling – often sharing glam photos in go-to destinations like Miami Beach or Tulum in Mexico.
      Flaminia Appolloni
      Italy hot shot Gianluca Scamacca and gorgeous Flaminia keep their private lives to themselves.
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      She seemingly divides her time between her homeland and London, where he plays for West Ham.
      Not much is known about her profession.
      However, she’s a huge fan of the beach, showing off her bikini body frolicking around in the sand.
      Flaminia Appolloni shows off her amazing bikini body
      Appolloni is the partner of striker Gianluca Scamacca
      Kennedy Alexa
      It is believed Kennedy and James Maddison began dating in 2020, after meeting in Los Angeles, where she lived.
      And she got into Californian life, enjoying hiking on Runyon Canyon and watching American sports like basketball.
      She also marched on a Black Lives Matter rally in West Hollywood.
      They welcomed a son – baby Leo in 2021.
      Kennedy Alexa is the baby mama of James Maddison
      Maddison and wag Alexa met in Los AngelesCredit: Instagram / @kennedyalexa
      Flavia Toloi
      Flavia, 32, is the wife of Atalanta centre-back Rafael Toloi.
      The pair tied the knot in 2013 in a private ceremony in front of friends and family.
      The Brazilian beauty is a proud house mum to two children.
      Her Instagram is dedicated to her family.
      Brazilian beauty Flavia Toloi keeps her private life discreetCredit: https://www.instagram.com/flaviatoloi/
      Flavia is the wife of Atalanta defender Raphael ToloiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/flaviatoloi/
      Sasha Attwood
      As the girlfriend of Jack Grealish, Sasha’s profile rocketed when he signed for Man City for £100million and became an England hero.
      The 26-year-old is a model and influencer, who has starred in huge ad campaigns,
      Most recently, she scored a massive deal with online fashion retailer boohoo.
      And she was dropping a massive hint to Jack about her future – modelling a range of maternity wear.
      Sasha Attwood is the girlfriend of Jack GrealishCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Atwood joined her fellow Wags in Qatar – cheering the England team on from the standsCredit: Reuters
      DJ Jai Carol
      Lecce shotstopper Wladimiro Falcone is unlikely to get a look in as No2 to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      Either way, he can still count on the support of DJ Carol.
      His Wag travels the world performing as a music producer.
      Not much is known about their romance.
      Wladimiro Falcone and DJ Jai Carol pose for the cameras
      Dj Jai Carol travels the world as a music producer
      Olivia Naylor
      31-year-old Olivia is a beautician, who operates from her own business in Cheshire.
      She recently took a step back from her work duties after giving birth to her son with John Stones.
      Stones hit it off with Olivia after meeting her during a night out, The Sun exclusively revealed in March 2019.
      Although she sparked criticism when she shared anti-vaxx messages on social media.
      Olivia Naylor is a beautician with her own business in Cheshire
      Naylor is the girlfriend of John Stones – the pair have a son togetherCredit: Instagram @olivianaylor
      Dasha Lapushka
      Not just any Wag – Dasha has been described as the “world’s most beautiful Wag’.
      She is an artist and Serie A star Andrea Pinamonti’s girlfriend.
      Dasha, 30, balances her time between Dubai and Rome, and she is no stranger to wowing on Instagram.
      Her 409,000 followers are often treated to glamorous snaps of her in luxury dresses and bikinis.
      Dasha Lapushka has been described as the ‘world’s most beautiful Wag’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/dasha.lapushka/
      Lapushka often treats her 400,000 plus Instagram followers to glam bikini snapsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dasha.lapushka/
      Aine May Kennedy
      Watching from the wings and cheering on Conor Gallagher is his stunning Wag, Aine May Kennedy.
      The Irish beauty, 23, is a professional dancer and model.
      She regularly shares her glam lifestyle on Instagram, where she has over 50,000 followers.
      Aine May also represents Pulse Model Agency, and has participated in numerous fashion shoots.
      Irish stunner Aine May Kennedy is a dancer and modelCredit: collect
      Kennedy dates Chelsea and England star Conor GallagherCredit: Getty
      Ginevra Francesca Sozzi
      Forget Wanda Nara, it’s Ginevra who is the ‘Queen Bee’ of Wags in Italy.
      She currently dates Inter Milan ace Matteo Politano.
      Read More on The Sun
      But in the past, the model and the influencer has been linked to Fabio Quagliarella, Paulo Dybala and Radja Nainggolan.
      Aside from glam shoots, she also organises club nights in Milan.
      Ginevra Francesca Sozzi is known as the ‘Queen Bee’ of Italian WagsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ginevrafrancescasozzi/
      Ginevra Francesca Sozzi has dated a string of footballersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ginevrafrancescasozzi/ More

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      Why are Italy wearing a one-off shirt in honour of Gianluca Vialli tonight against England?

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      Italy host England in Naples TONIGHT, and the Azzurris plan to pay tribute to their former coach Gianluca Vialli.The former Chelsea striker died in January at the age of 58 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
      Gianluca Vialli in the Chelsea vs Stuttgart CWC final May 13 1998Credit: Alamy
      Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini with the 2020 Euro trophyCredit: GETTY
      Vialli claimed 59 senior caps and scored 16 goals for Italy during his career.
      He also featured for his country in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.
      The legendary striker won every major trophy on offer, most notably the Champions League with Juventus in 1996.
      He also won two Serie A titles, one with Sampdoria in 1991 and the other with Juventus in 1995.
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      Vialli played a major part in Italy’s triumph at Euro 2020.
      The Azzurris beat England at Wembely on penalties to claim the silverware.
      Why is Italy wearing a one-off shirt in honour of Gianluca Vialli TONIGHT against England?
      This is the first game the Italians have been involved in since Vialli’s passing at the start of the year.
      The shirt dedicated to the memory of Gianluca Vialli will be worn by Italy in the match between Italy and EnglandCredit: GETTY
      The shirt dedicated to the memory of Gianluca Vialli will be worn by Italy in the match between Italy and EnglandCredit: GETTY
      The special message at the top of the shirt reads: “Luca, forever an Azzurro.”
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      Both sides will have their countries’ prestigious home colours on display this evening.
      What has Italy manager Roberto Mancini said?
      It will be a very emotional evening for the former Manchester City manager.
      Mancini said: “It’s very emotional obviously, It’s the first time we have played a game since Luca’s passing.
      “We were very fortunate enough to have him as a teammate and a player.
      “He is immortal and people like that will always be near to us.”
      Tonight’s game will be the fourth time the two countries have played each other in two years. More

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      Roberto Mancini reveals emotional final meeting with Gianluca Vialli as late Italy and Chelsea icon made incredible plea

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      HE is the international boss who thought about quitting after a late missed penalty led to World Cup heartbreak.He is worried about the lack of homegrown talent playing in his country’s top division.
      Roberto Mancini will manage Italy for their Euros qualification campaignCredit: AP
      He revealed that Gianluca Vialli told him Italy must win the next World CupCredit: Marc Aspland EURO 2020 Newspapers Pool
      And he is seeking more Euros glory to ease the pain of the recent past.
      No, not Gareth Southgate.
      Because if you think the England boss has had a rollercoaster few years, it is nothing compared to what Roberto Mancini and Italy have faced.
      Southgate led the Three Lions to a first major final in 55 years, only for Mancini to emerge triumphant from their Euro 2020 showdown at  Wembley, thanks to his side’s greater spot-kick composure.
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      But from such great heights came a great fall.
      It was a year ago that North Macedonia stunned football with a   play-off semi-final win which meant Italy would miss a second World Cup in a row.
      But it all could have been so different if Jorginho had scored a penalty a few months earlier.
      Italy won a  spot-kick in the last minute of their qualifier against Switzerland in November 2021, with the score at 1-1.
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      If Jorginho had netted it, Mancini’s side would have gone into the last round of games top of the group, three points ahead of the Swiss and with a better goal difference.
      But just like Harry Kane at a crucial stage of England’s World Cup quarter-final with France, the Arsenal ace blazed his effort over —having had another penalty saved in the away game against Switzerland.
      Unlike Kane, Jorginho and Italy had chances to redeem themselves — and blew them. A draw in Northern Ireland sent them into the playoffs as the Swiss thrashed Bulgaria, then came that luckless night against North Macedonia.
      Mancini later admitted: “When things don’t go well, it’s clear the responsibility lies with the coach. I  thought about leaving.”
      But the former Manchester City boss stayed and guided Italy to the Nations League Finals later that year, winning and drawing against Southgate’s England on the way.
      When the teams played out a dull goalless draw at Molineux last June, pressure started to build on the Three Lions boss.
      When the same venue hosted a 4-0  thrashing by Hungary three days later, the backlash left Southgate on the verge of announcing he would step down after the World Cup.
      But he did not, then quickly ended any speculation about his future following the France defeat by confirming he would stay on until at least 2024.
      Southgate and Mancini go in search of redemption in tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier singing from the same hymn sheet.
      The England coach warned the falling number of Englishmen featuring in the Premier League will force future managers to look for players in the Championship.
      Mancini, in response, said: “We are worse off than Southgate. I don’t know why there are so few strikers, we are very limited going forward.
      “We have three teams in the Champions League quarter-finals. Yet out of them, there are seven or eight Italians at most.  This is the reality.”
      For the record, it is seven. Meanwhile, England’s two clubs in the last eight, Manchester City and Chelsea, provide eight players in Southgate’s squad.
      And the England party, even without injured Chelsea pair Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount, looks stronger on paper.
      Italy will particularly miss Giacomo Raspadori, whose brilliant goal earned Italy victory over the Lions in  September. Napoli’s Raspadori is out with a thigh injury.
      Vialli passed away in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      But Mancini and Italy have something else spurring them on — the memory of former Azzurri striker Gianluca Vialli.
      The most powerful image of the Euro 2020 final was head coach Mancini embracing  Vialli, his ex-Sampdoria and Italy team-mate, after Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Bukayo Saka in the shootout.
      The former Chelsea striker had accepted a position with the national team during his first bout of cancer in 2018.
      But tears of joy at Wembley in July 2021 became tears of pain in January when Vialli died, aged just 58. Heartbroken Mancini said afterwards he was on a mission assigned to him by his “little brother”.
      He said: “I went to see Luca in London in December, I was a little scared. He told me, ‘I’m relaxed, don’t worry’. He was the one trying to raise my spirits.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Gianluca told me we must win the World Cup in 2026 and that he’ll be with us. We hope to dedicate a great victory to him soon.”
      In Naples tonight, Italy’s first game since Vialli’s death would be a fitting way for Mancini’s  European champions to start that quest. More

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      England stars take the Countdown challenge as Gareth Southgate spells out why he couldn’t quit after World Cup heartache

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE spelt out his demands to England’s stars in the Countdown to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and told them: Seize the moment.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and Co took part in a special edition of Channel 4’s popular TV game show, alongside maths whizz Rachel Riley, at St George’s Park on Tuesday.
      Bukayo Saka took part in a special edition of Countdown with his England palsCredit: Channel 4
      John Stone also took part in the showCredit: Channel 4
      England Countdown, which also features Luke Shaw, will air before the game against ItalyCredit: Channel 4
      Luke Shaw and James Maddison featured with Rachel Riley hostCredit: Channel 4
      Gareth Southgate did not rule out staying on until after Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      And Southgate knows his first conundrum is how England qualify for the finals, starting with facing champions Italy in a tough Group C clash in Naples.
      With the clock ticking, the Three Lions boss told his players not to assume they will be a permanent fixture in the team as heartbreak could be around the corner.
      England are still looking for a first trophy since 1966 World Cup glory.Southgate, whose deal runs out after this tournament, also hinted he could stay on if his team wins.
      He declared: “You have to be careful as a player not to assume this might not be your last chance.
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      “You’re always going to think you’re going to have other opportunities. But injury, form, new players coming in . . . you can never take it for granted.
      “The older ones know the timescale is quite clear. But everybody else has to be mindful as well.
      “The team is always evolving. We have tried to constantly give people their opportunity.
      “That happened with Jude Bellingham and we have one or two others just on the fringes.”
      Most read in Football
      Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham starts against the Azzurri and Southgate will field a similar team to the one which lost 2-1 to France in last year’s Qatar World Cup quarter-final.
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      Asked if he will definitely quit England next year, Southgate said: “Well, that depends if we win!”
      Quizzed whether he would sign a new deal if England won in Germany, he added: “Let’s hope we’ve got that opportunity to make that decision.”
      Southgate is hoping to deliver his 50th win as England bossand Three Lions skipper Harry Kane is looking to become England’s all-time record scorer as he is level with Wayne Rooney on 53 goals.
      Asked about Kane, who missed a penalty against France, Southgate said: “We’ve seen with his performances for his club that he has put the World Cup behind him.
      “But he will have added motivation to show what he is about in an England shirt, which is a great position for us.”
      West Ham midfielder Declan Rice stressed England are keen to win in Italy for the first time since 1961.
      Rice said: “There is more expectation now than ever.
      “If you look at this squad it’s full of top-quality players.
      “The record in Italy hasn’t been good and since the Euros this will be the fourth time we have played them and we haven’t won yet.
      “It will be a really big statement if we can go there and win.”
      Read More on The Sun
      England will have a great chance if Bukayo Saka, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Eric Dier and James Maddison dazzle as they did on Countdown.
      Channel 4 will screen the programme before Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine. More

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      Ivan Toney could cost Brentford £1million during England’s games against Italy and Ukraine

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      LEAGUE ONE side Peterborough United will receive a hefty £1million from Brentford should Ivan Toney make his England debut this week.The Bees, who are pushing for a top six finish in the Premier League, splashed out £6m for the striker to Posh three years ago.
      Ivan Toney is hoping to finally make his England debut this weekCredit: Getty
      The Brentford striker could end up costing the club another £1m if he doesCredit: PA
      He has since gone on to help fire them to promotion and take the top-flight by storm.
      Toney, 27, has scored 28 goals in 58 appearances for the club and produced nine assists.
      As part of the package that took him to West London, Peterborough negotiated a number of lucrative performance-related add-ons.
      A number of those have already been paid – although one still remains.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Last year we reported how their director of football Barry Fry had revealed they would net a tidy sum from an England debut for Toney.
      Now the Daily Mail are claiming that the figure will be £1m, which would take his total transfer fee to £9m.
      This is actually the second England call-up for Toney – who could face a lengthy ban in the near future for alleged breaches of the FA’s gambling rules.
      The forward, who is the Premier League’s third top scorer this term, was an unused member of the squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany.
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      Now both he – and undoubtedly Peterborough – will be desperate for him to go one better and win that elusive first cap over the upcoming days.
      England take on Italy in Naples on Thursday in their next European Championship qualifier.
      They then face Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday as they attempt to move a step closer to securing a place at the tournament in Germany next year. More

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      Hooligan chaos fears as ultras from West Ham and Lazio join forces to ambush Napoli fans ahead of England’s Italy clash

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      FEARS of football yob mayhem led by “twinned” hooligan firms spiralled today ahead of tomorrow’s European Championship qualifier between Italy and England in Naples.Sources in Rome reported English West Ham hooligans had arrived in the Italian capital and had joined “ultra” comrades from the city’s Lazio club.
      Ultras linked to Serie A team SS Lazio are said to be backing English supporters ahead of Thursday’s big game in NaplesCredit: Getty
      The hooligans from Lazio have a notorious reputationCredit: AP:Associated Press
      It’s feared Hammers hoolies and Lazio ultras are planning to ambush fans of Lazio’s hated rivals NapoliCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Police and security forces were said to be on “maximum alert” amid reports the teamed-up troublemakers were heading 140 miles south east to Naples.
      Hammers hoolies and Lazio ultras were planning to ambush fans of Lazio’s hated rivals Napoli ahead of the England game, it was claimed.
      Corriere dello Sport, Italy’s leading sport paper, reported sweaters bearing West Ham logos were seen on Sunday when violence erupted at Lazio’s derby game against Roma.
      It could not be verified that the wearer of the Hammers shirts were English – but the paper reported authorities were taking the threat of further coordinated violence in Naples seriously.
      READ MORE ON HOOLIGANS
      Corriere dello Sport reported: “Some West Ham sweatshirts were glimpsed in the scuffles near the Ponte della Musica … the threat could still materialise in Naples between Italy and England.”
      The two football heavyweights have enjoyed a strong alliance that stems back almost two decades.
      Carlton Leach, a former member of England’s feared ICF hooligan firm, told The Sun Online both clubs had deep respect for each other.
      He said: “We [West Ham fans] started to go out to Lazio about 15 years ago.
      Most read in Football
      “It all stems back from the Paolo Di Canio days.
      “We would go to their club house and drink with their top boys – they looked after us.
      “It is a relationship built on strong mutual respect and you had to earn it, but we call them our ‘Italian brothers’.
      “La Familia.”
      Leach said he was not aware of Hammers’ fans heading to Naples for a scrap.
      He said: “I am 64 and am out of that scene but I cannot see English supporters going over there to cause disrespect to them.
      “You know, 30 years ago, in the ICF days I could definitely see something erupting at a European qualifier but today I doubt it – it has changed a lot.”
      However, if the Italian media’s claims are true, the coalition of supporters could walk into a cauldron of violence.
      Only last week, 470 Eintracht Frankfurt ultra fans – who had been banned from Naples’ Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for a Champion League match against Napoli – ran riot.
      Cars were set on fire and cops pelted with missiles as they struggled to separate the Germans from 300 Napoli Ultras, who also turned on security forces.
      In September 2019, two Liverpool fans were hurt by flying bottles hurled by Napoli yobs – who are famed for cowardly “calling card” knife attacks to their victims’ buttocks.
      But Italy’s football federation decided to stage the Three Lions’ crucial Euro qualifier in Naples – their first match since the Qatar World Cup – despite security concerns.

      Are you a fan in Naples? Have you seen any fan violence or are you aware of any hooligan threats? Email james.liveris@the-sun.co.uk and worldnews@the-sun.co.uk or WhatsApp 07741005808 for free if you have any information.

      It has been reported that West Ham hoolies have landed in RomeCredit: AP
      A picture from a fans’ forum showed the two clubs sharing a ‘coalition’ flag at a match in 2013Credit: Social Media
      The flag incorporates the West Ham ‘hammers’ and the Lazio badgeCredit: Social Media
      Carlton Leach, pictured in the centre, alongside Lazio ultras at a previous matchCredit: Carlton Leach
      Around 2,500 England fans are due to begin arriving in Naples today ahead of the big game.
      The Corriere dello Sport report added: “The gaze of the Ministry of the Interior is directed already at Thursday’s match when over two thousand English fans will be in Italy.
      “It is feared that someone might give life to a new urban warfare as happened in Naples with the Eintracht Frankfurt fans.”
      Naples’ Il Napolista newspaper added: “West Ham ultras are already in Rome, preparing for guerrilla warfare in Naples.
      “The alert for the match between Italy and England at Maradona is maximum.
      “What is especially worrying are the ultras of West Ham, twinned with those of Lazio, who attempted to attack the Roma fans.
      “They remained in the city because they intend to provoke clashes in Naples too, on the occasion of Italy-England.”
      Describing West Ham yobs’ alleged involvement in trouble before the Lazio v Roma game on Sunday, Il Napolista said: “The fuse off the pitch was lit before the initial whistle. 
      “During the influx of fans at Ponte della Musica, Lazio supporters together with some West Ham fans – who have always been twinned with the Biancocelesti (Lazio fans) – risked coming into contact with the Roma fans. 
      “Danger was thwarted by the timely intervention of the police.”
      Lazio’s feared ultras were also reported to have been joined by other “twinned” yobs from across Europe who connect using social media and the dark web.
      Levski Sofia in Bulgaria and Real Madrid have ties with Lazio while Roma were said to be backed by foreign legions from Dinamo Zagreb and Atletico Madrid.
      Security concerns rose after a “friendly” football match between England and Italy supporters was axed on Monday after notorious Naples hooligans warned they would launch an attack.
      The game was due to be played before tomorrow night’s Euro qualifier clash with Italy in the crime-plagued the Italian city.
      But Italian “ultra” yobs emailed the England fans’ team boss warning 60 soccer savages would “get them” – forcing the game to be called off.
      Garford Beck, the boss of England men’s supporters’ team, said the threatening email he received read: “You advertise this game for us to see where you’ll be – we will be there. 
      “60 ultra to get you. Be warned.”
      Mr Beck said he asked his Italian counterpart to show the email to Italian authorities and the game was called off after security chiefs responded: “We are very concerned.”
      The Italian Football Federation has now informed Mr Beck the game has been cancelled after pleas from the English FA.
      Mr Beck said: “They are treating it very seriously and have judged it to be a viable threat.
      “Safety has to be our priority and we would have been an easy target for these people.
      “They normally come tooled up to the hilt so it could have been a very nasty situation had I not opened that email.”
      Mr Beck said England fans had played their Italian counterparts in Milan in September last year – to coincide with a Nations League game – without any issues.
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      He said: “There’s been no hint of anything until I opened that email.
      “We’re just out there to get together with whoever it is we’re playing, have a game of football, have a few beers and go off to the match, it’s nothing more than that really.”
      The hooligans linked to Napoli are known for their extreme violenceCredit: AFP
      Last week in Naples, German fans were rolled by Napoli ultras after a Champions League matchCredit: Getty
      The carnage spilled onto the streets of Naples following a clashCredit: Rex
      Cars were torched and shop fronts were vandalised near the Diego Armando Maradona StadiumCredit: Rex More

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      England fans warned not to wear common item of clothing amid fears of ultra violence ahead of Euros qualifier clash

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      ENGLAND fans have been warned not to wear a common clothing item amid fears of violent clashes with Italian ultras.Fears of violence in Naples have been sparked after an “online threat” to English supporters was made by an ultra group ahead of the  European Championship qualifier between England and Italy.
      Concerns have been raised about England fans’ safetyCredit: AFP
      The ultras group are known for using knives, bats and even Molotov cocktailsCredit: AP
      More than 3,000 supporters are travelling to Italy for the matchCredit: Getty
      More than 3,000 Three Lions fans are expected to travel to Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for the match – and their welfare is now the chief concern of football officials.
      The FA told England fans travelling to the match not to wear belts as a precaution as they could be confiscated by officials over fears they could be used as weapons.
      An email by the FA read: “Some supporters who have attended a fixture here as an away supporter have had their belts removed and not returned upon entry into the stadium.”
      “We would advise that you do not wear a belt where possible.”
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      Fans have been warned not to carry power banks and phone charges as they are also banned and could be confiscated.
      Officials from the England Supporters Travel Club will have portable chargers at the stadium gates, report the Times.
      Concerns about the fans’ safety were raised after a friendly match between fans was cancelled following threats reportedly made by the Napoli ultras.
      Chief superintendent Colette Rose, who will lead a team of UKFPU officers in Naples, said: “Their view is that there is no risk to our fans but we are still seeking clarity around transport arrangements and other issues.
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      “We will keep talking and do our best to keep supporters updated.”
      Despite Italian authorities reassuring touring Brits that it would be safe to attend the match, they have now asked English authorities to inform the fans they need to assemble at the city’s port area from 4pm on Thursday to be taken by bus to the stadium.
      Earlier this week Garford Beck, organiser and lifelong England fan, received a threatening email purporting to be from a Naples Ultra group sent to a member of the “EnglandfansFC”.
      The 60-year-old told the Times he feared for his team’s safety.
      He said: “I received a very sinister and threatening email purporting to be from the Napoli Ultras this morning.
      “It read, ‘You advertise this game for us to see where you’ll be. We will be there. 60 ultra to get you. Be warned.’
      “I’ve been in contact with my oppo at the FIGC [Italian FA].
      “I showed it to him and said ‘can you show it to the local authorities and police and see if they think it is a viable threat.’
      “Our contact at the FIGC spoke with their security officer.
      “They came back and said, ‘We are very concerned.’
      “They are treating it very seriously and have judged it to be a viable threat.”
      Despite the Italian FA efforts to monitor the situation, the friendly match was later called off this afternoon due to possible threats to the welfare of fans.
      Read More on The Sun
      It comes as violence erupted in the streets of Naples last week before Napoli’s Champions League match with Eintracht Frankfurt.
      The German supporters defied a police ban and clashed with Napoli ultras, which left more than eight hooligans arrested.
      The threat was reportedly made by the Napoli ultras
      England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of a match with ItalyCredit: Reuters
      Holligans clashed with Eintracht Frankfurt supporters in Naples last weekCredit: EPA More