Atalanta-Napoli at risk?

By Football Italia staff

Atalanta-Napoli could be at risk tonight, as it’s reported the visitors will walk off if there is discriminatory chanting.

There have been numerous unsavoury incidents in recent seasons in which racist abuse has been aimed at Kalidou Koulibaly.

In addition, many clubs have been fined for anti-Neapolitan chanting by fans, which violates the FIGC law about “territorial discrimination”.

The Orobici ultras have been warned not to engage in the latter, but the Curva Nord ultras indicated on Friday they would defy that, while assuring they won't be racist.

“We will not even consider the possibility of being deprived of one of the most basic and elementary components of football: the teasing among fans,” a statement read.

“We won’t take lessons from anyone on this subject, let alone from people unable even to organise professional leagues, and from those in Italian football who have elected leaders who called players ‘banana eaters’ and female players ‘handicapped’.

“Bergamo has always been disgusted by vulgar songs and racist chants. In Bergamo it’s a question of parochialism and not of racism.

“We hear that Bergamaschi are farmers in most Italian stadiums - so be it! Go ahead and hate Bergamo!

“None of this hurts us, we don’t think of this as racism but simply something which ties us to our land, and makes us even more proud of our origins.

“We are not Neapolitans… that’s quite obvious for everyone, but clearly not for some!”

That statement indicates that there will be anti-Neapolitan chanting at the match, and La Repubblica reports Napoli will ask the game to be suspended if that happens.

If the referee doesn't take action, there is the possibility that they could simply walk off.

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow