Violent clashes between fans after Genoa football derby injure 26 police officers

Violent clashes between rival fans after a Genoa football derby have resulted in nearly 40 people being treated for injuries at a local hospital, including 26 police officers.

Authorities said on Thursday that fans also clashed on a city bridge and outside the stadium before Wednesday night's Coppa Italia match, in which Sampdoria beat Genoa 6-5 in a penalty shootout.

The violence erupted when Genoa supporters brought out a number of banners that they'd stolen from Sampdoria ultras in recent months, according to local reports.

Police in riot gear were targeted as fans threw fireworks, bottles and other objects at each other. Police used water hoses to bring the fans under control, with order being restored at around 2:30 am.

At least eight people have reportedly been arrested.

Since Genoa is in Serie A and Sampdoria is in Serie B, it was the only meeting this season between the two city clubs that share Luigi Ferraris Stadium.

They hadn't met in more than two years, causing tension to grow between the two sides.

Domestic media say that trouble had been brewing in the city of Genoa for the past few months, amid skirmishes between both sides' ultras.

Sampdoria's victory means it will face AS Roma in the next round of the Coppa Italia.