U.S. tourist stabbed outside a bar in Rome

updated 7:41 a.m. ET Jan. 5, 2009

ROME - An American tourist from California is in serious condition in a Rome hospital after being stabbed outside a bar in downtown Rome.

Police say two Italian men were arrested shortly after the incident, which happened early Sunday near the Campo de Fiori square, popular with tourists and locals for its lively nightlife.

The Californian, identified as Nicholas Apuzzo, is in his mid twenties. He remains in intensive care at San Camillo hospital after surgery for stab wounds to his chest. Apuzzo's hometown was not immediately available.

Giovanna Petrocca, the police official leading the investigation, said the alleged stabber and an accomplice quarreled with Apuzzo in the bar after a night of drinking and then attacked him in an adjacent alley.

More on: Rome | Campo de Fiori

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