Chris Smalling 'robbed at Rome home in front of his wife and child'
Chris Smalling was robbed at gunpoint in front of his wife and two-year-old child on Friday after the Roma defender's Italian villa was targeted by a crime gang.
Three armed robbers broke into the former England international's multi-million pound property and forced him to open his family's safe, according to reports in Italy.
Hooded raiders took a Rolex watch, jewellery and other valuables during the swoop in the picturesque Appia Antica district south of the city.
Police were alerted just before 5am on Friday by Smalling's wife Sam. Smalling, who was out of Europa League action this week while he recovers from a knee injury, was said to be distressed but calm about the incident.
The property was targeted hours after his team’s drew 1-1 against Ajax, to win 3-2 on aggregate, and set up a semi-final with his former club Manchester United. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the family were sleeping when armed and hooded men broke into their home and forced the footballer to open a safe.
Cases of footballers being targeted by gangs is on the increase across Europe. The Roma coach, Paulo Fonseca, was targeted by burglars last November, as his home was broken into when he and his family were out.
Last month, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ángel Di María was withdrawn from a Ligue 1 game after his house was robbed with his family present at the property. Earlier this year, the home of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie was also burgled.
Alex Bomberg, whose Intelligent Protection firm provides security for a host of footballers and celebrities, said the case underlined the need for improved security around the elite clubs.
"Sadly, these types of incidents will continue to take place until clubs drive change in the area of personal security of players and their families," he told Telegraph Sport. "We are not talking about opportune thieves here, we are talking about organised crime - these types of robberies are generally well organised and to date there have been very few arrests made internationally concerning these criminal gangs."
Smalling, who joined Roma on a permanent deal last year following a rejuvenating loan spell, married Sam, 35, a glamour model, in June 2017 and they welcomed their young son Leo before moving to the Italian capital. Smalling previously won two Premier League titles with Manchester United, who his new club have been drawn against in the Europa League semi-final.
Neither Smalling nor his club have made an official comment but his former Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford sent a message of support, saying he was "thinking about you... and your lovely family". "So sorry to wake up to the news this morning," Rashford tweeted. "Can’t imagine how you’re feeling but I hope you’re ok."
Bomberg, meanwhile, added: "A two year-old child should not be subjected to this type of traumatic event - the whole family must be devastated." No arrests have been made so far.
