England vs Italy fan friendly called off after hooligans threaten: 'We're coming for you'

Violent threats from hooligans prompted the Football Association to intervene amid huge concern over the wellbeing of those who were due to take part in the match.

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It is usually a tradition for fans of both countries to hold a friendly before the real sides get underway but this occasion has been scrapped, inews has revealed.

The match was advertised on social media but was met with serious threats of violence from groups of ultras.

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One email read that the hooligans said: "We are coming for you."

It added: "You advertise this game for us to see where you'll be… Stupid man you are. We will be there. 60 ultra to get you. Be warned."

It has led to the friendly being called off over security concerns with Naples already seeing flashes of football-related violence in recent times.

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The FA's head of security, Steve Lewis, liaised with UK police as well as his counterpart in Italy before a decision was made.

Napoli fans distanced themselves from the threatening messages while violence broke out on the streets when the Italian side faced Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League earlier this month.

Police cars were overturned and set on fire while missiles were launched as members of the public fled in shocking scenes in Naples.

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With nearly 2,500 fans set to fly to the Italian city this week to watch England face the Azzurri, Gareth Southgate has insisted that he has been assured of no trouble.

"In the end, it's for the Italian FA to decide where they play their games," he said. "Clearly, our organisation will always try to make the travelling experience as smooth as possible for our fans and that's important.

"I think we've got to be careful about prejudging any experience.

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"Other people will make sure that it's as smooth as it possibly can be.

"From a personal perspective, to go to such a famous football city and having grown up watching Maradona win the title there, they look like they are going to do that again. I have to focus on the bits I can control."