HOODED attackers stabbed a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporter ahead of the French club’s Champions League match at AC Milan, Italian police said today.

The unnamed French man was “seriously injured by two stab wounds in the leg” in Milan last night and taken to hospital, police said in a statement.

The Corriere della Sera newspaper said the man was 34 years old and his life was not in danger.

Witnesses told police the clash happened between around 50 Milan fans and French fans who were in the Navigli area of the northern Italian city.

Video screenshots on social media shared by Italian news sites showed a group of men on a canal side known for its cafes, bars and nightlife.

As flares were set off, they suddenly turned and ran from another group of men, some of whom were wearing hoods and wielding what looked like batons.

The attack came less than two months after a Newcastle United supporter was stabbed in Navigli ahead of a Champions League fixture against Milan.

Seven-time European champions Milan today host PSG, who currently lead Group F by two points and will be favourites after hammering the Italians 3-0 at the Parc des Princes a fortnight ago.

An already hot atmosphere at the San Siro will be further enflamed by the return of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who left Milan for PSG as a free agent in the summer of 2021.

Today’s match could have a huge impact on both sides’ prospects of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League, as just four points separate the four teams in the group.

Milan are bottom of the group on two points after failing to score a single goal in their opening three matches. – AFP, November 7, 2023.