Juventus and Lazio face supporter protests and engagement crises

Organized supporters of Juventus, the Curva Sud, have announced a boycott of the upcoming match against Lazio scheduled for October 18 at the Allianz Stadium. The group issued a statement claiming they are being used as “scapegoats” following previous clashes during the derby against Torino. They criticized law enforcement management, alleging that police actions contributed to tensions and resulted in disproportionate sanctions and investigations. The group specifically cited an incident where a tear gas canister allegedly caused severe head injuries to an uninvolved fan.

Separately, criticism is mounting regarding the relationship between Lazio and its fanbase. Journalist Luigi Salomone has accused club president Claudio Lotito of overseeing a crisis of representation, stating that Lazio has become “marginal” within the city of Rome. Despite the team's competitive standing, low ticket sales for upcoming matches suggest a deep fracture between the club and the local community, with Salomone suggesting the club's cultural presence in the capital is fading.