November 11, 2007: Italian Policeman Shoots Lazio Fan Dead following Altercation; Numerous Violent Incidents Follow

Italian policeman Luigi Spaccarotella shoots and kills Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri. The shooting occurs at a motorway service station near Arezzo in Tuscany where, following clashes between fans of Lazio and Juventus, Spaccarotella discharges his weapon twice. Spaccarotella will later say that he did not intend to kill Sandri, who is sitting peacefully in a friend’s car when he is killed. [Guardian, 11/11/2007; Sky News, 7/15/2009] Spaccarotella will be convicted of manslaughter, receiving a six-year sentence. [Sky News, 7/15/2009] As news of the shooting spreads, numerous violent incidents break out around Italy. Following the postponement of Lazio’s game at Internazionale in Milan, hundreds of away fans throw stones at a police station and Inter fans also demonstrate. Outside Rome’s Olympic stadium, fans throw firecrackers, set up street barricades, and clash with police. About 10 officers are injured. Atalanta’s game with AC Milan in Bergamo has to be abandoned seven minutes after kick-off as fans try to smash down a glass barrier and invade the pitch. Roma’s game with Cagliari is also called off. [Guardian, 11/11/2007]