Why Lazio fans are boycotting Atalanta Coppa Italia semi-final first leg | OneFootball

Lazio host Atalanta in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg tonight, yet only around 5,000 tickets have been sold as the ultras continue a boycott against President Claudio Lotito. According to Football Italia, organised groups will stay away from the stands in protest.

Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is at 20.00 GMT, 21.00 CET. Home advantage will feel muted with large sections of the ground empty.

Supporters have protested over Lotito’s running of the club for months, with tensions intensifying in recent weeks. Many now refuse to buy tickets, choosing instead to gather outside during home matches.

Thousands will march from Ponte Milvio to the stadium before kick-off. They will then sit outside the Curva Nord, where they would usually watch the game, and back the team from beyond the walls.

This is the third straight home fixture targeted, following the Serie A games against Genoa and Atalanta. The tie offers a route to the Coppa Italia final.

Anger grew further after a leaked phone call emerged this morning involving a Lazio supporter. In it, Lotito rejected criticism over squad building for Maurizio Sarri’s style, said he alone is in charge rather than Sarri, argued the coach should work with the players available, and added that Sarri could buy the club if he wanted control.

Source: Football Italia