Chelsea release statement after two fans 'stabbed in Italy' ahead of Napoli Champions League match

Two Chelsea supporters were reportedly stabbed in Naples on Tuesday evening ahead of tonight's crucial Champions League encounter with Napoli.

Both fans were taken to hospital overnight, where they are receiving treatment for injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

According to witnesses, the attack occurred while the supporters were making their way to a nearby pub.

One of the victims has claimed that his companion was stabbed following a pursuit by approximately 25 Napoli ultras through the city streets.

The incident has prompted Chelsea to issue urgent warnings to their travelling fans ahead of the fixture at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium.

Naples police have not yet commented on the matter.

Chelsea released a statement confirming the club's awareness of the Tuesday evening incident.

"Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries," the club said.

"The club would like to remind all supporters to exercise extreme caution whilst in the city and take note of the advice shared ahead of this fixture."

The west London club has issued specific guidance for the estimated 2,500 supporters who have made the journey to southern Italy.

Fans have been strongly encouraged to remain in groups rather than venturing out alone through the city.

Chelsea has also advised supporters against wearing any clothing that identifies them as Blues fans whilst in Naples.

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A complimentary shuttle service with police escort has been arranged to transport ticketholders safely to the stadium for this evening's match.

The city of Naples has developed an unfortunate reputation for violence directed at visiting supporters during European fixtures.

Just months ago in October, confrontations erupted between Napoli and Sporting Lisbon fans, with chairs being hurled during clashes before their Champions League meeting.

The situation proved even more serious in March 2023 when Eintracht Frankfurt visited the city, resulting in five Napoli supporters being detained in a single evening.

During that incident, two police officers sustained injuries, vehicles were set ablaze, and one German supporter was stabbed whilst eight others were hurt.

Liam Rosenior's side travel to Italy requiring victory to secure automatic progression to the last-16 and avoid the play-off round.

Chelsea currently occupy the final direct qualifying position in the competition, with the reigning Europa Conference League winners able to advance with a win against Antonio Conte's team.

The match will see several ex-Chelsea players lining up for the Italian champions, including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Billy Gilmour.

Napoli are also expected to field Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund alongside Scott McTominay, who claimed last season's Serie A most valuable player award.

Cole Palmer's inclusion in the travelling squad provides a significant boost for the visitors, who have won all four home Champions League matches but struggled away from Stamford Bridge.

Napoli currently sit just five points behind Chelsea but a massive 17 places below them in the table.

They need at least a point to stand any chance of making it through the play-offs qualifier.