The 27-year-old was escorted by stewards away from the stands at Turin's Stadio Olimpico and to the local police station.

No-one was hurt and the fan spent two nights in jail before being taken to court on Tuesday.

Although it is unlikely that the fan will spend time in prison because Italian courts frequently suspend sentences for first-time offenders, he will be banned from all football stadia for the next three years.

Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete was pleased with how the situation was dealt with by the fans, the police and the courts.

"This is an episode of great significance, it strengthens our efforts to fight violence in stadia," he said.