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Liverpool fans could be kept inside the Stadio Olimpico until 1AM tonight - Italian authorities have warned - to limit the possibility of trouble after the match.

During the “long hold back”, a replay of the whole match will be played on the stadium’s big screen for the supporters, as they will be kept for up to two-and-a-half hours after the Champions League second leg has ended.

Today, the head of Rome police special branch , Giampietro Lionetti, said: “If all goes well, we will let the Liverpool fans out earlier, but it could happen [that they remain inside the ground until 1am].”

Fans have been advised to avoid the Ponta Duca d’Aosta in the north of the city, which is a bridge where English fans have previously been attacked.

Police also want Merseysiders to “respect monuments of national importance”, hinting that Liverpool fans wrapping flags or banners around them could result in criminal action.

Meanwhile, Italian authorities have changed the suggested congregation points for Liverpool fans in Rome in the hours before the match.

Earlier messages from police in the Italian capital asked fans to head for the Piazza Campo De Fiori and Largo Corrado Ricci squares to socialise.

But those areas are said to be “some distance” from the transport meeting point in Villa Borghese.

Instead, Reds should gather at Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna before making their way to the shuttle service to the Stadio Olimpico.

In a joint statement from the police in both Rome and Merseyside, Liverpool FC and Italian authorities, warnings about walking the streets alone were reiterated.

(Image: PA)

The message said: “Supporters are strongly advised to use the available shuttle buses to the stadium which will run from Piazzale delle Canestre, Villa Borghese, starting from 4pm.

“Under no circumstances should supporters attempt to walk to the Stadio Olimpico.”

Roma players wore T-shirts with the slogan “Forza Sean” (Stay strong, Sean) at training yesterday, referencing the 53-year-old Irish Liverpool fan who was attacked outside the Kop last week and who remains critically ill after suffering head injuries.

Liverpool fans, who should not wear the club’s red colours, police said, were advised to arrive at the stadium as early as they can, with the ground’s gates scheduled to open at 5pm.

Bags are allowed but the checks are likely to be “long and arduous”.

Under Italian law, the name on match tickets must match the name on personal ID and admission is likely to be refused in situations where this is not the case.

(Image: PA)

Liverpool FC also praised the good behaviour of the club’s fans during this European campaign.

The statement said: “Liverpool Football Club would like to place on record its gratitude to supporters who continue to arrive in Rome ahead of tonight’s Champions League semi-final against AS Roma.

“Throughout the current European campaign, the Club’s supporters have travelled in great numbers with their behaviour in host countries prompting plaudits and it is hoped that this positive trend will continue in Italy.

“In order to assist those who have travelled to Rome, Liverpool officials are involved in ongoing discussions with the Italian authorities aimed at ensuring fans enjoy the best possible experience with safety and security at the top of the Club’s agenda as always.”

Once the hold back has ended, supporters will be returned to the city via shuttle buses, unless on chartered flights.

The shuttle service will operate once supporters leave the stadium.

This will take two runs under full police escort and return supporters to Villa Borghese.

Once at Villa Borghese, a number of coaches will be available to transfer supporters to Flumicino Airport.

Authorities added: “Under no circumstances should supporters attempt to walk back into the city after the match and should instead use the taxis that will be made available.”