Manchester United will find Italy beset by hooligan-induced turmoil when they confront Juventus in tomorrows Champions League return against Juventus.
The Stadio delle Alpi, which will welcome United, was the scene of the most serious incidents of a weekend of violence which, ironically, followed the approval of legislation aimed at assisting a crackdown on Italian ultras.
While Juventus were winning 3-1 away to Como, neighbours Torino saw their match with Milan abandoned in a tear gas mist after 64 minutes. Milan were 3-0 ahead when a second fans invasionof the athletics track forced a final halt. Several players were affected by the tear gas.
The weekend also saw 500 youth games in the Naples region postponed for safety fears while two players and a linesman needed treatment after being assailed by a firework at a Serie B match between Ancona and Vicenza.
Juventus maintained their lead in Serie A by defeating Como in a match switched to Piacenza because Comos own stadium was suspended after hooligan trouble two months ago. Juve won even though the club’s ongoing flu epidemic ruled out five senior players.
By Keir Radnedge
