Thousands of mourners flocked to a cathedral in the Sicilian city of Catania on Monday for the funeral of a policeman whose death in a soccer riot has shocked Italy and prompted calls for new measures to curb stadium violence.

Pope Benedict XVI expressed his "spiritual closeness" to the family of 38-year-old Filippo Raciti, who was killed during street clashes at the Catania-Palermo Serie A match Friday.

"In reiterating his firm condemnation for any act of violence that stains the world of soccer, the Holy Father urges protagonists to promote respect for legality with greater determination," the pope said in a telegram of condolences that was read during the funeral.

In a sign of respect, people applauded as Raciti's coffin, draped in the Italian flag, was carried inside the Duomo Cathedral followed by his youngest son dressed in a police uniform.

"I only hope that your death will push society to make changes," Raciti's teenage daughter, Fabiana, said during a tearful speech.

Italy's sports and interior ministers planned to meet later Monday with senior soccer and sports administrators to discuss long-term measures to curb fan violence.

The Italian soccer federation postponed all games over the weekend following the rioting. The federation also canceled Wednesday's friendly between Italy and Romania.

According to Italian news reports, measures that are being considered include barring organized groups of fans from following their teams at away games, stiffening penalties and limiting the number of fans allowed in stadiums whose security measures are considered lax.

Officials are also considering extending the suspension of league play to next weekend, reports said.

Interior Minister Giuliano Amato has said that the violence must stop, or the games will. But officials will also have to consider the economic impact of not allowing a quick return to play.

AC Milan and Juventus are the third and fourth biggest clubs in the world by revenue, according to accounting firm Deloitte. During the 2004-2005 season, along with rival giants Inter Milan and AS Roma, the clubs generated more than euro770 million (US$1 billion) through match-day receipts, broadcast deals, sponsorship and merchandising.

"This is among Italy's most important industries, and it needs to continue," Antonio Matarrese, the president of the Italian soccer league, was quoted as saying in Monday's editions of La Repubblica. "We are saddened, but the show must go on."

"Unfortunately, deaths ... are part of this huge movement, which law enforcement officials still can't control," he said.

Matarrese's comments drew immediate criticism, with the Italian Olympic Committee calling them "seriously offensive."

Milan draws an average of 64,000 spectators to its stadium for Serie A games, while Juventus boasts a fan base of 14 million. It is impossible to imagine that either club will allow the 10-20 percent of its revenues from ticket sales to be eroded for long, while the bureaucrats draw up new plans.

All four clubs also have broadcast deals with Mediaset SpA, which provide 50-60 percent of their total income.