Stadio Olimpico Set for Desertion as Inter Milan Ultras Join Lazio Fan Protest | OneFootball

The league fixture between Lazio and Inter Milan is set for a record-low attendance, as both sets of fanbase will join forces in the ongoing protest against Claudio Lotito.

The Background

The Biancocelesti’s organized fan groups have been boycotting the club’s home fixtures since January, taking a stance against Lotito’s administration, accusing the unpopular president of downsizing the project and looking after his own interests rather than the club’s.

Lazio Fans Will Only Attend the Coppa Italia Final

The Lazio fans have decided to make an exception by attending next Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Inter to support Maurizio Sarri’s men in a match that will define their entire campaign. But when the two teams meet at the Stadio Olimpico for a dress rehearsal in Serie A this Saturday, the Aquile fanbase won’t show up.

Inter Milan Fans Join Protesting Lazio Supporters

Interestingly, the Inter Milan ultras have decided to follow suit in a show of solidarity with their Lazio counterparts. The Nerazzurri’s Curva Nord ultras will thus join the gathering at the Ponte Milvio. The organized Lazio fan groups confirmed the news through a statement released on social media, as relayed by Il Messaggero.

Lazio Attendance Since the Start of the Protest

With both sets of fans not planning to show up, the Stadio Olimpico will be almost completely deserted. Since the boycott began, only 2,000 spectators for Genoa (January 30), 5,000 against Atalanta in the league (February 14), 4,000 for Atalanta in the Coppa Italia (March 4), 2,000 against Sassuolo (March 9), 9,000 for Parma (April 4), and 4,000 for Udinese (April 27).

On the other hand, more than 50,000 attended the victory over AC Milan on March 15, when the organized groups urged Lazio fans to fill their seats at the stadium.