Shocking moment hooligans smack riot police with bats as eight arrested and nine rushed to hospital in ugly brawls

HOOLIGANS attacked riot police with bats during ugly scenes in Italy on Wednesday night.

Officers arrested eight fans as violent clashes marred the Derby della Lanterna between Genoa and Sampdoria.

The city rivals met for the first time in two years in the second round of the Coppa Italia at their shared home, the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Off the field, though, violence erupted between supporters of each club both ahead of the match and into the night.

Footage shared on social media shows hooligans walking the streets holding bats before fireworks and bottles were thrown on a bridge.

Fans also clashed with riot police, including in a clip which showed a police van being attacked with bats.

By Thursday morning, eight arrests had been made with at least nine people rushed to hospital.

However, this figure later rose to 40 including 26 injured police officers being treated.

According to , the violence broke out after Genoa fans unveiled banners stolen from Sampdoria ultras in recent months.

Riot police were then called in at full-time to control the clashes, with violent scenes continuing until around 2.30am in the city.

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It had been the bitter city rivals' first meeting since April 2022 due to Sampdoria's relegation from Serie A.

The Serie B side claimed victory on penalties in Wednesday's meeting, though, following a 1-1 draw.

Former Sunderland man Fabio Borini equalised with seven minutes remaining before team-mate Simone Romagnoli was sent off in stoppage time.

Sampdoria will now travel to face Roma in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia in December.