Explosive Device Found in Car Near Rome's Stadio Olimpico

Police in Rome responded to a report of an explosive device found in the car of a local politician on June 16, shortly before Italy’s national soccer team kicked off against Switzerland at nearby Stadio Olimpico.

According to local reports, the device, which did not explode, was found in a vehicle belonging to Marco Doria, a local official overseeing redevelopment of parks and buildings. The car was parked in Rome’s Prati district, a little over a mile from the city’s Stadio Olimpico. Rome’s mayor Virginia Raggi confirmed the incident on Twitter.

Italy’s group stage European Championship game went ahead despite the threat, with the Azzurri beating Switzerland 3-0, qualifying for the next round.

Local reports said that Doria had been the target of threats in the past, and noticed the device in his car, alerting authorities. Credit: Francesco Giorgi via Storyful