Security at the club's Armando Picchi stadium is not yet in line with government regulations under new measures introduced last week to combat hooliganism.

Livorno had hoped to open their doors with a reduced capacity, but a government-backed security watchdog that specializes in sports events has turned down their request.

Livorno coach Daniele Arrigoni said he was hoping the club could still win a last-minute reprieve but admitted he feared the worst.

"It's an injustice for the fans," he said.

"It was supposed to be an historic occasion for this city and instead our fans cannot be part of it. It's a defeat for football.

"We are hoping something will change at the last minute, but it doesn't look good."

Under a government crackdown on football violence after the riot in Sicily earlier this month which claimed the life of a policeman, clubs whose grounds are deemed unsafe are being forced to play their matches without spectators.

Livorno need more turnstiles, a crowd-filtering area and a police watchtower.

Wednesday's match is a round of 32, first leg tie.