Roberto Massucci, Questore (police chief) of Rome, has criticised AS Roma's lack of support for security decisions surrounding the Derby della Capitale, which took place at the Olimpico ahead of the Italian Open tennis final at the Foro Italico. Although the match passed without incident, Massucci argued that Roma should have championed the authorities' plans rather than align with the most extreme ultras who boycotted the rescheduled Monday fixture.
Massucci explained the heightened tension: on the Lazio side, protests against president Lotito created risks in areas outside the stadium lacking standard security measures; on Roma's side, recurring problems in the Curva Sud required intensive year-round work. He stated: "The city has responded well as always, but from the clubs we expect something more. Roma should have supported the decisions of the security authorities and protected all fans, not just the ultras." He added that the fixture's clash with the tennis tournament should have been avoided during initial scheduling, and that moving it to Monday was the obvious solution, though it initially sparked controversy and raised conflict levels between supporters.
Massucci acknowledged the Lega's recognition of its planning error and its investment of 200 stewards to direct fans on approach routes. Regarding ties between curve members and organised crime, he stated the situation does not leave him reassured, though he cannot speak definitively without court sentences. The season has concluded with zero incidents, he confirmed, and the authorities will maintain strict measures next year.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Roberto Massucci ha rilasciato un’intervista a La Repubblica. Il Questore di Roma si è soffermato sul funzionamento del piano sicurezza per il derby della Capitale. La gara dell’Olimpico si è svolta qualche ora prima della finale degli Internazionali di tennis al Foro Italico, ma non si sono…”
Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.
