Italy football: Man shot dead amid Napoli Serie A title celebrations with over 200 injured

One person has been shot dead and at least 200 others injured in a wild night of celebration after Napoli won their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Vincenzo Costanzo, 26, was fatally injured after being hit by a bullet fired from a pistol during the festivities, injuring three others in the same incident.

Police said they were still investigating the exact circumstances of what happened to Costanzo – who was a known criminal – because the chaotic celebrations could have been used as cover for a hit.

Dozens of fans stormed onto the pitch of the Friuli stadium in Udine after the final whistle and used their belts to punch each other in violent scenes. Men were seen crouching on the floor and covering their heads in an attempt to avoid the blows.

Paramedics were called to the Ponticelli area of ​​Naples an hour after Napoli won the title by drawing 1-1 against Udinese and securing the point they needed.

Police said Costanzo was found bleeding heavily on the ground along with three others, including his girlfriend, and they were all taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Fans clash on the pitch and hit each other with belts after the match as Napoli fans celebrate winning the match

Napoli fans celebrate after winning the Serie A championship at Diego Armando Maradona’s mural on Thursday in Naples, Italy

There were chaotic scenes in Naples last night, with Napoli fans driving around the stadium in open cars

A Napoli fan is overcome with emotion after his team win their first Scudetto in 33 years

Doctors fought to save Costanzo, but he was pronounced dead while the others were treated for minor injuries and expected to be released from the hospital in a few days.

Later, the medical authorities in Naples released an updated report stating that an astonishing 203 people across the city had been treated after winning the title.

Officials said 22 were in serious condition with burns, head injuries and broken bones after being hit by fireworks or falling from scooters and cars.

The injured included three police officers who were attacked as they tried to advance the crowd, but were not seriously injured.

Thousands poured into Naples’ main square at Piazza Plebiscito waving flags and banners, and many climbed lampposts and balconies in exuberance.

Sixty thousand fans had packed into the sold-out Diego Maradona stadium to watch the match live on giant screens as it was beamed back from Udine, 500 miles away.

They were whipped into a frenzy before kick-off with a music and light show, but the atmosphere was decided just after just 13 minutes as Udinese took the lead after just 13 minutes through Sandi Lovric.

Top scorer Victor Osimhen’s equalizer in the second half provided the only point needed, however, and sparked frenzied joy scenes in Naples as the side went an unassailable 16 points clear with five games remaining.

Riot police clash with football fans after they invaded the field of the Friuli stadium last night

Men were seen crouching on the ground and covering their heads in an attempt to avoid the blows of the oars

Dozens of fans ran onto the pitch at the Friuli stadium in Udine before being tackled by police officers

More than 200 required medical treatment amid chaotic scenes of fireworks and flares

Celebrations erupted in Naples after the Napoli football team won the Scudetto trophy

Napoli fans celebrate winning Serie A in Naples on Thursday evening

Napoli clinched their first title in 33 years after Victor Osimhen’s equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Udinese – sparking cheers in the city

Luciano Spalletti’s men concluded the victory with five games left to play in the competition

Napoli fans drove around in topless cars as they celebrated their team’s victory

Fans poured into the streets of Naples as the club’s long wait to win the Scudetto came to an end

Earlier this week, the British consulate in Naples – a city popular with tourists from the UK – had warned visitors about the expected reaction to the title win.

Spontaneous celebrations are expected to take place all over Naples from the end of April to the beginning of May following the Serie A football championship.

“If you visit Naples during this period, you have to take into account transport delays due to busy streets and possible road closures.

‘Take into account large crowds and the use of loud fireworks. Stay vigilant and take care of your personal belongings.”

Naples police had banned the use of fireworks in an effort to reduce casualties and traffic was also banned from the center to try to stop the traffic jam.

But as England fans discovered two months ago when they visited the city during an ‘alcohol ban’, the edict was more of a suggestion than a strictly enforced rule.

Nigerian striker Osimhen led parties in Udine’s dressing room and photos posted on social media showed the players dancing wildly and singing loudly.

He said: ‘I am happy for all Napoli fans worldwide. No one deserves the Scudetto more than the Neapolitans – more than we do.

“I don’t care who scored, I just wanted to get the Scudetto.

Supporters enjoyed the incredible moment after they were confirmed to have won Serie A

Authorities had tried to ban fireworks, but the suggestion was ignored

Fans aboard a blue and white custom car drive through the streets amid the festivities

Blue and white flags had been hanging in the streets of the city for weeks as they closed the title

It is the third Scudetto the club has won, the others came when Diego Maradona played for the club in 1987 and 1990.

Statues and monuments filled as the city celebrated a historic moment

Torches are lit as the party gets into full swing after Thursday night’s draw in Udine

A fan covered in blue face paint and wearing a crown waves a flag amid the festivities

“I want to enjoy this moment for the rest of my life. Then after the season my other dreams can come true.’

There were also festivities in London’s Soho, where dozens of ex-pat Italians had gathered to watch the game in pizzerias and restaurants.

Local authorities in Naples now planned to continue the party for several days and were on standby for the team’s return from Udine with people expected to line the airport streets.

Napoli previously won the title in 1987 and 1990 when Diego Maradona played for the South Italian side and is worshiped like a god by devoted fans with several shrines dedicated to him around the city.