American Student Knifed

A young man from the U.S. studying abroad in Florence was attacked and hospitalized after defending his girlfriend close to Santa Croce, outside a club on via Verdi.

According to police reports, aggressive behavior began at 2 am in front of the Bamboo Lounge where several American students started arguing with a group of Albanians.  One of the Americans allegedly punched one of the Albanians after the latter was perceived to have inappropriately touched his girlfriend. Retaliation followed and a knife was pulled out. The 22-year-old assault victim was taken to Careggi hospital with wounds in the back and hip.  After being operated on, he remains in serious condition.  Police are examining footage from surveillance cameras in order to identify the assailants.

Less than two weeks ago, a fight between a group of Americans and a group of Italians outside Yab in Piazza Davanzati left a 21-year old American with an ear injury and a temporary license suspension for that club due to security issues cited by the district attorney’s office.

To read more in Italian, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site.