Bombing squads were mixed up in Rome Wednesday afternoon after a car bomb was discovered that was allegedly under the vehicle of a local park official.
The bomb alert came hours before the Italy vs Switzerland Euro 2020 game kick-off, even though it is apparently unrelated to the game.
The device was discovered in the Prati district of Rome, 3 km (1.8 miles) from the Olympic Stadium where the game was to be played.
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According to the Italian news agencies II Fatto and Il Messaggero, the package full of gunpowder and bolts tied with wires was placed on the car of Marco Doria, who is in charge of restoring Rome’s parks and historical sites.
The area was cordoned off before the device was safely distributed by bomb experts.
Doria, who has attempted major parking services reforms, is reported to have been the target of frequent threats.
The investigation into the incident continues.
The Mayoress of Rome Virginia Raggi tweeted: “A bomb was found on the car of Marco Doria, the president of the (body) responsible for the redevelopment of parks and historic villas in Rome. A very serious incident, I express my full solidarity. “
