Death threats and bullet mailed to Lazio president

May 4, 2010, 8:54 GMT

Rome - Lazio president Claudio Lotito has said he received death threats before the Serie A game his side played Sunday against title-bound Inter Milan, the web site of the Rome side reported.

Lotito told the police that on Friday he received a letter saying 'if you don't beat Inter on Sunday you are dead.' The envelope also contained a large-calibre bullet and was believed to be sent from fans of city rivals Roma.

Lotito's statement Tuesday rekindled the polemics that followed the game at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, where Lazio fans rooted for an Inter win rather than see Roma take the lead with two games left.

Most Lazio players, who are not completely certain to avoid relegation, were criticized for a seeming lack of passion against the reigning champions.

Not only Roma managers and football commentators talked about the issue, several politicians criticized Lazio, while some announced a parliamentary question regarding the opportunity to play the last rounds of the league at the same time.

It is likely that Lazio's lack of passion stemmed from an earlier 1-1 draw between Atalanta and Bologna, which favoured them in the race to remain in the top flight.

Lotito rejected all criticism and invited the politicians to focus on the riots often still taking place inside and outside stadiums.

Clashes took place in April during and after the derby between Lazio and Roma and authorities are bracing for the Italian cup final between Roma and Inter Wednesday in Rome.