Up to 1,400 people were injured in Turin at a stampede during a public screening of the Champions League final, Italian media reported Sunday quoting emergency services.
Around 30,000 people were watching the match Saturday between Turin side Juventus and Real Madrid at the city's Piazza San Carlo when fans began running away in panic.
Turin's police chief said the stampede may have been triggered by someone letting off a firework. Local newspaper La Stampa also reported that a collapsed barrier could have led to the panic.
At least eight people were seriously injured. A 7-year-old boy and a woman were reported to be in a critical condition. Most of the other injuries were believed to be minor.
Real defeated Juventus in Cardiff, Wales to become European champions form a 12th time.
Media reports said fans began running away when a bang was heard shortly after Real Madrid's third goal of the game in the 64th minute.
"People were screaming and shoving, a wild stampede was set off," one witness said.
The incident brought back traumatic memories for Juventus fans of the 1985 Heysel stadium disaster. Thirty-nine people were killed in a crush when a wall collapsed at the stadium in Brussels before the European Cup final between Juventus and Liverpool.
Juventus club president Andrea Agnelli said: "I've been informed of the incident and my thoughts go out to those who were injured on what was supposed to be a night of celebration."
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said in an initial reaction from Cardiff: "We hope all get better soon."
By Annette Reuther
