Napoli Clinch Coppa Italia in Shadow of Tragedy
By BBC Sport
Napoli secured the 2014 Coppa Italia title with a 3-1 victory over Fiorentina in a thrilling final overshadowed by serious off-pitch violence that cast a sombre tone over celebrations.
The match at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico was marred by a shooting incident prior to kick-off, in which a Napoli supporter was critically injured. The fan, reportedly shot near the stadium before the game, remains in a life-threatening condition, according to local authorities. The attack caused unrest in the stands, particularly among Napoli fans in the Curva Nord, delaying the start of the match by more than 45 minutes.
In an effort to calm tensions, Napoli captain Marek Hamsik intervened directly, addressing the fans and appealing for calm—a move widely credited with helping to restore order and allowing the final to proceed.
Despite the grim backdrop, the match itself delivered moments of joy for Napoli on the pitch. Lorenzo Insigne was the early hero, scoring twice in quick succession in the 11th and 16th minutes to put the Azzurri firmly in control. Fiorentina responded with a goal from Juan Manuel Vargas in the 27th minute, giving the Viola hope of a comeback.
However, any late resurgence was dashed in stoppage time when Belgian winger Dries Mertens sealed the win with a clinical counterattack, making it 3-1.
It is Napoli’s fifth Coppa Italia triumph and a testament to Rafael Benítez’s leadership in his first season at the club. Yet the jubilation of victory was undeniably muted by the events off the pitch.
Italian officials and the footballing community have since called for swift justice and a thorough investigation into the shooting. The violence has reignited a broader debate over safety and fan culture in Italian football.
As Napoli celebrates a hard-fought title, thoughts remain with the injured supporter and his family in the hope of a full recovery.
