Two Chelsea fans have been taken to hospital with ‘non-life threatening injuries’ after an incident in Naples, the club has confirmed.
Chelsea are preparing for their final Champions League league phase clash where they are taking on reigning Serie A champions Napoli on Wednesday night.
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However, the build-up to the match has been overshadowed by the unsavoury incident in the Italian city.
“The club is aware of an incident that took place on Tuesday evening in Naples,” Chelsea said in a statement.
“Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
“The club would like to remind all supporters to exercise extreme caution whilst in the city and take note of the advice shared ahead of this fixture.”
At this stage it’s not clear what happened in the incident or who the perpetrators behind the injuring of the Chelsea fans were.
The club has strongly advised Chelsea fans travelling to Napoli to not walk alone around the city on the day of the match.
Fans are also urged not to wear or display scarves or other items with Chelsea colours, badges or branding, to avoid being identified as an away fan.
Meanwhile, Chelsea fans are also encouraged to use the free-of-charge shuttle service escorted by the police when en route to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The designated meeting point, which Chelsea fans are strongly advised to make their way to, is at Molo Angioino, Stazione Marittima, 80133, Naples with the nearest metro and bus stop to it is Piazza Municipio. The club says this area will be monitored by police.
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Napoli vs Chelsea preview
Chelsea will lock horns with one of their former managers in Antonio Conte with both sides having plenty to play for ahead of the match at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Chelsea are on 13 points and eighth in the league, meaning the occupy the final spot that automatically takes teams to the last 16 of the competition.
They know a positive result is needed to avoid the play-offs but Napoli know defeat will all-but spell the end of their chances of even reaching the play-off round.
Napoli are currently 25th in the table and thus stand to be eliminated from the competition altogether.
Nevertheless, Blues boss Liam Rosenior is anticipating a stern test against Conte’s crew.
On Conte, Rosenior said: “Huge respect for him, firstly as a player. He went on to have an incredible career.
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“His passion as a player transmits to his teams now. He’s gone on to prove what an incredible manager he is.”
And on Napoli, Rosenior added: “This is a very, very strong team. They have been unfortunate in the recent games.
“We know it will be a very difficult game in a special atmosphere. It doesn’t change my plans at all.
“In football, in the Champions League, you can never expect anything because the competition is always so high.
“Napoli are a fantastic team with a world-class coach. They are still in the position where they can get through.
“It will make for an exciting game because they have to win and we also have to win.”
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