South Korean rapper PSY has been met with boos and small firework explosions during his performance at the Stadio Olimpico ahead of the Italian Cup final and derby between Roma and Lazio.

Organizers responded by raising the volume during PSY's performance of his hit, ''Gangnam Style.''

The rapper appeared embarrassed but told fans afterward in Italian, ''I love Italy.''

It was unclear if the boos were of a racist nature, although fans for both clubs have come under attack this season for racist chanting.

Worries of fan violence and racist chanting surrounding the derby have been high for weeks and police confiscated bags of knives, rocks, clubs and other home-made weapons hidden outside the stadium ahead of the game.

Still, clashes occurred ahead of kickoff.