Unprecedented measures: A tank parks

Turkey has put 20,000 police and troops on duty for the game between local side Galatasaray and the Italian team, Juventus.

The unprecedented security measures are being taken because of fears of violence stemming from Italy's refusal to hand over to Turkey the Kurdish separatist leader, Abdullah Ocalan.

Correspondent Chris Morris says there was a deafening chorus of boos and whistles as Juventus first took to the field. There were no Italian fans in evidence.

Thousands of fans briefly chanted slogans against the PKK Kurdish rebel movement.

The match was postponed because of security fears last week, angering Turkey.

Turkish Interior Minister Kutlu Aktas said the game was now a "matter of honour".

"We're not barbarians"

"Galatasaray may win or lose, or there could be a draw. There will be no incidents in any of these cases," Interior Minister Kutlu Aktas he told Reuters news agency.

"Europe might call us barbarians, but we are not like that", Mr Aktas said, "Turkey's honour is at issue here. I wish Galatasaray the best of luck."

He added: "The most important thing here is to show Turkish hospitality in the best way. Galatasaray has completed all necessary preparations and our spectators are no less civilised than European spectators."

Press reports say that a helicopter will be ready to evacuate the players in case of trouble.

Galatasaray chairman Faruk Suren said: "The team is going to be protected as if statesmen or a president of a state or government is visiting Turkey".

Galatasaray chairman Faruk Suren apologises for the involvement of politics in sport

He added: "Extraordinary measures have been taken around the stadium so nobody will be able to come near the stadium if they do not have a valid ticket for that match".

But concern was still high on the Juventus side.

Juventus goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi said the Turin side wanted to fly to Turkey as late as possible before kick-off and leave as soon as the match had finished.

"We have been more or less forced to go and play but we are very worried," Mr Peruzzi said.

"UEFA and the Italian and Turkish government know that they have a huge responsibility. I repeat, there is a lot of worry among all our players."

Anti-Italian sentiment

Italy's decision not to extradite Mr Ocalan, who was arrested in Rome last month, provoked an anti-Italian backlash in Turkey.

Taking no chances: Peaceful game now 'matter of honour'

Turkey holds Mr Ocalan responsible for thousands of deaths in 14 years of conflict between the rebel PKK organisation and government security forces.

However, the Italian Culture Minister, Giovanna Melandri, and the Foreign Trade Minister, Piero Fassino, have accepted an invitation from the Turkish Sports Minister, Yuchel Seckiner and are also going to the match.

The ministers' statement read: "The (Italian) government has not left Juventus alone, and it is not going to do so."

And it is not only emotions on the Turkish side that are known to run high.

In May this year, police with dogs took to the pitch and fired tear gas into the stands when Juventus fans began rioting during a match between the home side and Atalanta, which was eventually suspended.