Suspected car bomb is found near the Stadio Olimpico before Italy’s Euro 2020 game with Switzerland

WEDNESDAY night’s EURO 2020 game between Italy and Switzerland was thrown into doubt after authorities were alerted to a suspected CAR BOMB near the Stadio Olimpico.

The device was reported to Police at around 6pm, just hours before the Euro 2020 Group A game kicked off.

Rex

The car bomb was believed to be located near the Stadio Olimpico[/caption]

Reuters

The call came at around 6pm – just hours before the Euro 2020 game between Italy and Switzerland kicked iff[/caption]

According to Corriere dello Sport, authorities were called to the Piazza Mancini area after a report of a suspicious object inside a parked car.

Several roads were quickly blocked off to allow operations where a bomb squad carried out a controlled explosion.

Police have not yet officially confirmed whether the item was indeed a bomb, but have said it appeared to be homemade.

Later in the evening, the Rome-based Il Messaggero newspaper reported that the device consisted of a cylinder of gunpower, with shrapnel embedded and electric wires. 

Investigators determined the car belonged to Marco Andrea Doria, who is the president of the board for the redevelopment of parks and historic villas in Rome. 

Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi noted the seriousness of the situation, writing on Twitter that she was in “solidarity” with Doria as the investigation continues.

Twitter

The report of the object was initially spotted by a fan – just one of many who were gathering ahead of the 8pm kick off between Italy and Switzerland.

The hosts had headed into the game having beaten Turkey 3-0 on opening night, and they looked just as impressive on their second outing as they swatted aside the Swiss by the same margin.

Sassualo midfielder, Manuel Locatelli, scored twice – first by tapping in from Domenico Berardi’s darting run before fizzing a strike from the edge of the box.

Forward Ciro Immobile’s late third then sealed the win as his long-range drive squirmed under Yann Sommer.

Earlier in the day, Wales earnt their first win of the competition after they beat Turkey 2-0 in Baku.

Despite a missed penalty from talisman Gareth Bale, the Welsh found the net via Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts as they took a huge step towards the knockout stages.