NAPLES: Napoli fans preparing to celebrate the club’s first Italian league title since 1990 have been told to steer clear of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that overlooks the southern city of Naples.

Park authorities became concerned at reports that Napoli’s fanatical fans planned to set off flares to light up Vesuvius in the Italian national colours should the team clinch the title on Sunday, branding the stunt dangerous.

Runaway leaders Napoli will secure the club’s third Serie A crown if they beat visitors Salernitana and second-placed Lazio drop points against Inter Milan at San Siro.

“We are all pleased for Napoli’s success which will bring honour to our region and great joy for people,” said Vesuvius park commissioner Raffaele De Luca. “But the celebrations must remain within the limits of civil behaviour.”

Vesuvius is the only active volcano in continental Europe. It erupted in AD79, destroying the city of Pompeii and covering everything in its path with volcanic ash.

The national park was established in 1995 to preserve the fragile ecosystem around the volcano, whose highest peak reaches 1,277 metres.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2023