The president of the Italian Football Federation last night hailed the Tartan Army as the perfect example in his quest to end the violence that has, thus far, dominated the agenda ahead of the Azzurri's decisive Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park.
Giancarlo Abete, under increasing pressure to cancel all Italian club fixtures next week after an outbreak of rioting forced the postponement of three Serie A fixtures on Sunday, spoke enviously of the impeccable reputation enjoyed by Scotland's renowned supporters. Abete and the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio have been engulfed in crisis since a Lazio fan, Gabriel Sandri, was accidentally killed by a police officer at a motorway service station in Arezzo, Tuscany.
Yesterday, Abete was a central figure at the Italian training camp in Coverciano, near Florence. In his search for a solution to the recurring problem, he declared the Tartan Army ideal role models. "The Scottish supporters are well-known and respected around the world for their excellent behaviour," said Abete. "They set an example.
I have a lot of affection for them, for they way they conduct themselves, whether they are playing at home or abroad."
Lazio's match against Internazionale was postponed out of respect but news of the death sparked rioting among Italy's infamous Ultras. As a consequence, AC Milan's visit to Atalanta and Roma's match with Cagliari were abandoned while the extremists battled with riot police. All fixtures in Serie B and Serie C have now been postponed as the FIGC and police launch a fresh investigation into hooliganism.
Abete is expected to make a decision this week on the fate of next week's Serie A programme but, as he sought a rational solution to the problem, he urged Italy to take inspiration from the Tartan Army.
"They have the ability to follow their team in the right manner," Abete added. "They show great civility and their behaviour is exemplary wherever they go. They follow their team proudly and give them tremendous encouragement."
Where Italy's reputation has been ravaged by persistent outbreaks of hooliganism, the Tartan Army continue to earn praise for their support. They won FIFA's Fair Play award for their conduct in Euro 92 while, more recently, Celtic were acclaimed for their following in Seville during the UEFA Cup final in 2003.
Abete believes the alliance will prevent any trouble in Glasgow this weekend and recalls fondly his previous meetings with the Tartan Army.
"I have encountered them on many occasions, both when we have played Scotland at under-21 level and in senior international games," he said. "I remember them as a happy group and I have a lot of goodwill towards them. I am sure they will welcome our fans when we come over. Whether it is football or rugby, there is a natural relationship between our fans and theirs."
Meanwhile, Italy have made a request to UEFA to wear black armbands in memory of Sandri at Hampden on Saturday.
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