The players left the field when the problems started and despite appeals for calm, the trouble persisted.

The decision was then taken to call off the match in Bergamo.

Earlier, in the day the scheduled match between Internazionale and Lazio in Milan was postponed because of the death of a Lazio supporter at a motorway service station in Arezzo.

Gabriele Sandri, 26, is believed to have been struck by a police bullet during scenes of disorder.

Referee Massimiliano Saccani sent the teams back to the changing rooms when Atalanta fans attempting to invade the pitch.

The official decided after a 25-minute wait to call off the game.

Atalanta fans had earlier requested that the encounter be postponed following the death of Sandri and supporters had clashed with the police outside the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium prior to the game.

The encounter began 10 minutes late as requested by the Italian Football Federation as a sign of respect for Sandri.