Violence and vandalism spark fan travel ban as Milan ultras respond furiously ahead of heated Roma showdown in Serie A

According to a report from Italian outlet Sport Mediaset, Roma Police Headquarters have imposed a travel ban on AC Milan supporters ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes Serie A match against Roma, following a spate of violence and vandalism linked to Rossoneri ultras during the Coppa Italia final against Bologna on Wednesday, which they lost.

The May 14 clash between Milan and Bologna at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico ended in chaos, with police reporting widespread damage to stadium infrastructure, stolen jerseys, and smashed vehicles belonging to Milan fans. The most serious incidents occurred in and around the Curva Sud — a section traditionally occupied by Roma ultras — where seats and bathrooms were defaced.

Tensions had already flared days earlier due to inflammatory social media posts by some Milan ultra groups, who vowed to “desecrate” the Curva Sud. Roma supporters responded with threats of retaliation, which reportedly materialized in the form of slashed car tires and attempted assaults on visiting fans. Not just that, but two Roma fans were also later found in possession of stolen Milan jerseys, while security forces documented extensive vandalism inside the stadium.

Minutes after Roma Police HQ announced their decision on imposing a travel ban on Milan supporters, Banditi Curva Sud Milano, one of the ultras groups, released a statement on Instagram that read: “After last night’s unworthy performance, the umpteenth in a season that is the result of the evident incapacity of the directors of Via Aldo Rossi and a team without a shred of pride, we will leave you alone in Rome on Sunday. Along with your shame. This decision is taken regardless of any crazy travel bans that have been talked about for days.”

This isn't the first time this season that Milan ultras have threatened to cease showing support for their club. In December 2024, the Curva Sud group chanted in protest against the American owner, Gerry Cardinale and the management group RedBird Capital Partners.

A bad season turned to worse on Wednesday as Sergio Conceicao's men lost 1-0 to Bologna in the Coppa Italia final. Although they can mathematically still qualify for next season's Champions League, they will need to win their final two fixtures, first against Roma on Sunday, May 18, and then Monza the following weekend.

It has already been confirmed that the Portuguese manager will not remain in the Milan dugout next season, with a number of candidates linked to take over the reins.