Tragedy as man is shot dead, 200 injured while celebrating Napoli's Serie A title win

Tragedy as man is shot dead, 200 injured while celebrating Napoli's Serie A title win.

Tragedy as man is shot dead, 200 injured while celebrating Napoli's Serie A title win

David Ben 16:28 - 05.05.2023

A man reportedly lost his life and scores were injured while celebrating Napoli's first Scudetto in 33 years.

In the latest tragedy in Italy, more than 200 people were reportedly injured during a wild night of celebrations following Napoli’s first Serie A title win in 33 years.

Napoli held Udinese to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night, May 4, 2023, in the Serie A to officially confirm themselves as Champions of Italy.

Pulse Sports reported that Udinese opened the scoring in the 13th minute after a nervous start from the league leaders saw Sandi Lovrić fire home into the top corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Napoli won their first Scudetto since 33 years
Osimhen celebrating the goal that secured the trophy|Imago

However, Napoli levelled matters in the second half after Victor Osimhen fired home in the 52nd minute to confirm Napoli’s historic title success, their first since 1990.

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Man shot dead, 200 injured in Napoli Scudetto celebrations  

Violence erupted during Napoli's Serie A title celebrations
Violence erupted during Napoli's Serie A title celebrations

According to reports on Friday, May 5, a number of supporters have been injured with one shot dead following the full-time whistle on Thursday night at the Dacia Arena - Stadio Friuli.

Daily Mail reports that scores of fans raced onto the pitch at the Friuli stadium after the final whistle blew and used their belts to beat each other in violent scenes.

Men were seen crouching on the floor and covering their heads in an effort to avoid the blows, with no fewer than 203 people ending up in hospital overnight for injuries sustained during the celebrations.

Violence erupted during Napoli's Serie A title celebrations
Violence erupted during Napoli's Serie A title celebrations

Victims of the incident were said to have sustained injuries from knife wounds to burns, firecrackers and asthma attacks caused by inhaling smoke from flares.

This is Napoli's first championship since Diego Maradona led the club to its first two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990. 

However, the celebrations took a bad turn causing a number of casualties.

According to the police, a 26-year-old man known as Vincenzo Costanzo was shot dead in a crowd in Naples but also stated that his death was 'completely unconnected' to the celebrations on Thursday night.

Costanzo was reportedly a member of the D’Amico crime family which has been involved in a bitter feud with rivals from another clan. 

Naples police chief Claudio Palomba said at least seven bullets had been fired and all indications showed it was a hit as part of gang violence between members of the Camorra, the organised crime group based in the city.

Violence erupted during Napoli's Serie A title celebrations
Italian police try to curtail violence during Napoli's Serie A title celebrations

Costanzo was found on the ground bleeding heavily, along with three others, one of which was his girlfriend, and all were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Doctors battled to save Costanzo but he was declared dead while the others were treated for minor injuries and expected to be released from hospital in a few days.

Napoli fans celebrate 3rd Serie A title since 1990
Napoli fans celebrate 3rd Serie A title since 1990

Later, medical authorities in Naples issued an updated report to say that an incredible 203 people had been treated across the city following the title win.

The report adds that officials said 22 were in a serious condition having suffered burns, head injuries, and broken bones after being hit by fireworks or falling from scooters and cars.

Among those hurt were three police officers who were attacked as they tried to move crowds on, but they were not seriously injured.

Napoli previously won the title in 1987 and 1990 when Diego Maradona was still at the club, but Luciano Spalletti’s side have now made history with their impressive run so far in the 2022/23 Serie A campaign.

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