Appeal made to Serb fans ahead of 'high risk' match

Serbia's Football Association (FSS) has appealed to fans to be on their best behaviour during the national team's Euro 2012 qualifier at home to Italy on 7 October.

The reverse fixture in Genoa last October was abandoned after six minutes when visiting Serbia fans caused a riot. Italy were awarded a 3-0 walkover while Serbia had to play their home group game against Northern Ireland behind closed doors.

Serbia fans attacked their own team bus before kick-off, clashed with riot police and threw flares at home fans and players in the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

"The fixture has been qualified as a high-risk match by Uefa and we hereby appeal to all those who attend it to adhere to the fair-play code of conduct," FSS spokesman Aleksandar Boskovic said.

"Our fans need to avoid any potential situation which might provoke trouble because at the end of the day the team will suffer from the resultant punishment. We have to show Europe and Uefa's many officials who will be supervising the game that our fans come to football grounds to enjoy the game."

A win against already qualified Italy would seal a play-off place for Serbia before their final match.