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A 26-year-old Atalanta fan was fatally stabbed on Saturday night following a violent altercation between rival football supporters in Bergamo, prompting fresh concerns over fan violence in Italian football.
Authorities identified the victim as Riccardo Claris, who was caught up in a clash that erupted between fans of Atalanta and Inter Milan at a local pub. According to Carmelo Beringheli, head of the Carabinieri police in Bergamo, the confrontation began after an Inter supporter reportedly provoked the crowd with inflammatory chants.
The conflict quickly escalated and spilled onto a nearby street close to the Gewiss Stadium, where Claris was stabbed in the back during the melee. Emergency responders arrived promptly but were unable to save him.
Police later arrested a teenage suspect who claimed he acted in defense of his brother. A knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack was recovered near the scene.
In tribute to Claris, Atalanta fans displayed a heartfelt banner during their Serie A away match against Monza on Sunday, which read: “Claris Ovunque con noi” ("Claris everywhere with us"). Atalanta cruised to a 4-0 victory in the match, but the result was overshadowed by the tragedy.
Speaking after the game, Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini condemned the violence: “What happened to our fan must never happen again.”
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of football-related violence in Italy. Just weeks earlier, clashes ahead of the Rome derby left 13 police officers injured, while last year, fans from Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United were both hospitalized in separate stabbing incidents in Milan.
Inter Milan has yet to issue an official statement regarding the fatal altercation.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @atalantabc, Pixabay / jorono
