Authorities in Florence are on high alert ahead of Thursday evening’s Europa League clash between Fiorentina and Tottenham Hotspur amid fears of a repeat of the violence which occurred in Rome last week before Roma’s 1-1 draw with Feyenoord.
Dutch hooligans and police fought running battles in the Italian capital last Thursday which resulted in the arrest of 23 people. The historic centre of Rome was left strewn with debris following the clashes while one of the city’s Baroque fountains was badly damaged by the travelling supporters.
Il Tirreno reports that the Florentine police are taking no chances with their own city’s heritage. The newspaper understands that an extra 1000 officers have been drafted in and that a “ring of armour” is to be erected around historical monuments in the city with over 2000 Tottenham fans expected to make the trip to Tuscany.
Officials in Florence have also imposed a 24 hour ban on the sale of alcohol which came into force at midnight on Wednesday.
