Olympic Stadium closed for Roma-Napoli match

It's already the match of the year, a Scudetto-winning match that's igniting the championship and, unfortunately, also putting the spotlight on public order. Roma-Napoli on Sunday night isn't just a top-level clash, but a match that will severely test the capital's security system.

Despite the formal travel ban imposed on residents of Campania, the situation is at its highest. The Rome Police Headquarters' forecasts are clear: approximately 15.000 Neapolitan supporters are expected, who have circumvented the order by purchasing tickets at retailers in the capital or through unofficial channels.

These "out-of-town" fans will be distributed between the now-insufficient away section, excluding the Curva Sud, and the stands, along with organized clubs from Lazio and other regions of Central Italy. A veritable tide of blue fans that, combined with the Giallorossi heat, increases the risk of incidents.

 Olympic Stadium under siege: the security plan

To prevent tensions between the two historically rival fan bases from escalating, the entire Olimpico area will be transformed into a controlled-access zone. The Police Headquarters announced it has raised the alert level to the highest level, with a security plan that will be finalized today.

Surprisingly, and in a change of heart from the past, some of the streets usually closed or militarized before big matches will remain open. Lungotevere Maresciallo Diaz and Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, historic meeting points, will be accessible to traffic in an attempt to defuse large static gatherings and reduce the impact on urban traffic.

The goal is to smooth out the flow of fans, directing them in an orderly fashion toward the entrances, and to concentrate law enforcement at the most sensitive points.

As we await kick-off, the watchword is maximum vigilance: Rome is preparing for an evening of great football, hoping the spectacle remains confined to the green pitch.