The build-up to the Europa Conference League final was marred by ghastly scenes, with fans clashing in the streets and in the stadium.
The inaugural tournament final, being played in the Albanian capital Tirana, will see Roma take on Feyenoord on Wednesday night.
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Fans on both sides expressed their passionate support
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But a handful of fans were pictured scrapping shortly before kick-off
Albanian police said 19 officers were injured as fans held up glass bottles, sticks, stones and other objects on Tuesday night.
“In the early hours of the morning, we expelled – via the seaport of Durrës – 80 Italian hooligan fans,” police said.
“As a result of violence against the police by fans of both teams, we have 19 police officers injured and one of them is injured with a knife,” said Albanian Police Deputy Director General Albert Dervishi.
Police had earlier said 60 people – 48 Italians and 12 Dutch – had been “taken to the station”.
Meanwhile, ten Albanian, Italian and Dutch nationals had been treated for injuries in hospital.
And there were sadder scenes in the minutes leading up to the game at Arena Kombetare, with a handful of spectators pictured unraveling in the stands.
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The unsavory scenes overshadowed the inaugural Conference League final
As far as on-field questions go, it’s Roma, who won the Premier League with a 1-0 win.
Nicolo Zaniolo’s first-half kick was all that separated the two sides as Roma won their first-ever European crown and first piece of silverware in 14 years.
The result also saw Jose Mourinho become the first manager to complete the European set, having won the Champions League and Europa League.
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The party in the Italian capital will continue late into the night
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Mourinho is the first manager to win a European trophy with four different clubs
