The supporters were reportedly attacked as they moved through the city to meet fellow fans, before being chased and assaulted by a large group of rival supporters.
Two Chelsea supporters were stabbed in Naples on their way to a bar ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash with Napoli in the Italian city.
The supporters were reportedly attacked as they moved through the city to meet fellow fans, before being chased and assaulted by a large group of rival supporters.
Both victims survived the attack and are currently receiving medical treatment, with authorities confirming they are out of danger.
According to British outlet The Sun, the two Chelsea fans were pursued by more than 20 opposing supporters before being attacked with a knife. The incident occurred on the eve of the high-profile European fixture, heightening concerns about fan safety in Naples.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after the attack and responded swiftly. The injured supporters were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain under observation.
Local authorities have since launched an investigation to identify those responsible and to determine the full circumstances surrounding the assault.
The violent episode, which unfolded away from the stadium, has raised fresh security concerns ahead of a major Champions League night in Italy, with thousands of visiting fans already in the city.
Chelsea Football Club confirmed the incident in an official statement on Wednesday, acknowledging that two of its supporters were involved in an altercation while in Naples.
“The club is aware of an incident that took place on Tuesday evening in Naples. Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries,” the statement read.
The club is aware of an incident that took place on Tuesday evening in Naples.
Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The club would like to remind all supporters to exercise extreme caution whilst in the city and take note of…
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2026
Following the attack, the London club urged its fans in Naples to remain cautious and adhere strictly to safety advice issued ahead of the match. Supporters were reminded to stay alert, move in groups where possible, and avoid situations that could put them at risk.
More than 2,000 Chelsea supporters are expected to attend Wednesday’s Champions League fixture at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
As part of heightened security guidance, fans have been advised to avoid walking alone at night and to refrain from wearing clothing that clearly identifies them as Chelsea supporters while moving around the city.
The incident has underscored the challenges of ensuring fan safety during major European fixtures and has placed additional focus on security arrangements in Naples as the highly anticipated match approaches.