A suspected car bomb was located near the Olympic Stadium in Rome just hours before Italy launched its Euro 2020 collision with Switzerland.
Police were notified of the unit after a fan discovered the suspected object in a smart car on Wednesday night. The car was just a few kilometers from one of the competition’s hosts in the Piazza Mancini district, with the bomb squad immediately called to the scene.
Fans reportedly passed through the area as they approached the stadium for the match, although a controlled explosion was not necessary when the bomb squad was present, although it has been confirmed that the object may have exploded.
It has since been revealed that the unit – which warned passers-by due to the wires that could be seen – contained gunpowder and bolts, and was found in a vehicle belonging to Rome resident Marco Andrea Doria.
Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi has since taken to social media to confirm the news, but he offered no further information about the device.
“A bomb was found in the car of Marco Doria, chairman of the table for the reconstruction of parks and historic villas in Rome. A very serious fact, I express my full solidarity,” he said according to Corriere dello Sport.
Italy’s conflict with Switzerland continued as planned / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Thanks to the speed of the relevant authorities involved in the scene, the unit caused passers-by and Italy’s Euro 2020 Group A collision with Switzerland was able to start as planned.
Roberto Mancini’s side started their campaign against Turkey on Friday with an impressive 3-0 victory at the Olympic Stadium, and another victory against Switzerland on Wednesday night is enough to book their place in the knockout rounds in this summer’s competition.
