Italy to expel 54 Dutch fans before Juventus-Ajax clash

Turin - Italy are to expel 54 Ajax fans who were arrested in Turin for possession of dangerous objects on the eve of the Champions League clash against Juventus, the Italian government confirmed on Monday.

"Fifty-four Dutch fans, who arrived in the past few hours in Italy will be expelled on public order offences and escorted to the border tomorrow morning," a statement from Italy's Interior Ministry read.

"The group was found in possession of weapons, smoke bombs and firecrackers."

Interior Minister Matteo Salvini added: "Thanks to the police: no one can be permitted to come to Italy to cause trouble. Our stadiums and our cities are closed to those who are violent!"

More than 140 football fans, mainly Juventus supporters, were arrested for possession of dangerous objects ahead of last week's first leg game in Amsterdam.

Photos of a confiscated knife, fireworks, pepper spray, flares, a hammer and a baton were handed out in a press release by law enforcement authorities in the Netherlands.