England fans in positive spirits drinking with locals in Naples ahead of Italy clash

England fans have been spotted in Naples ahead of the Three Lions’ opening game of their Euro 2024 qualifying group against Italy amid concerns about supporter safety

England fans in Naples (

Image: Humphrey Nemar.)

England fans enjoyed drinking beer with their Italian rivals in the bars of Naples this afternoon ahead of the Three Lions’ game against Italy.

There was a relaxed atmosphere in the sunshine and no signs of trouble. Over 3,000 England fans are expected in the city for the clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium as Gareth Southgate’s side aim to get off to the perfect start in their opening game of Euro 2024 qualification.

There had been threats from the notorious Napoli Ultras earlier this week, leading to a friendly match between the supporters of the two countries to be cancelled. Among the England flags tied to the walls of the old city included those from West Brom, Plymouth, Rochdale and Doncaster.

Fabrice Tracanna, 53, an engineer from West Bromwich and his pal Steve Flavell, 62, a warehouseman from Dudley flew from Birmingham to Naples via Venice this morning.

Fabrice, whose dad was Italian and moved to England after the war, said: “It’s been a great day so far. We’ve been made to feel very welcome. I don’t think there will be any trouble.”

But most local fans seemed more interested in their beloved Napoli than Italy. Many were out on the streets attaching banners, flags and bunting in the light blue and white of the Napoli side.

England fans in Naples (

Image:

Humphrey Nemar.)

Giovanni Ravaglia said: “Most people here care about Napoli far more than Italy. I don’t think there will be trouble tonight. It’s possible but unlikely.

It was an incredible sight on the Via Guidecca Vecchi where hundreds of banners have been tied from top to bottom from apartment block to apartment block. This one street is about five miles from the Diego Armando Maradona stadium.

Speaking in his press conference on Wednesday evening, Gareth Southgate admitted his excitement about going to Naples and taking his England side to the city. He also recollected his memory of Maradona and Napoli’s success over the years.

England take on Italy in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier (

Image:

Humphrey Nemar.)

He said: “I think everybody is looking forward to the experience of coming to Naples. Personally, I am exciting about playing in a city that loves football, with a great history.

“To come here when I can just about remember Maradona when they won the league, and Careca, so I’m excited about that from the football side. Always we ask our fans to be good tourists and respect the local culture. We hope the game and the next couple of days passes with no problems.”

Southgate was asked about whether he would have preferred the game to be elsewhere, and replied: “No, I am excited to be coming here. I’ve never been to Naples before and that history of football here is really rich.

“The club team at the moment is absolutely flying. They’re a fantastic team, they’re going to win the league and they have got a really good draw in the Champions League, so I think they are going to be very close to winning that as well.”