Inter Milan’s head coach, Simone Inzaghi, has found himself drawn into a criminal investigation surrounding the club’s “ultra” fan groups, though not as a suspect.
Inzaghi was questioned by Italian authorities this week as a witness in a case that seeks to uncover connections between Inter and AC Milan’s hardcore supporters and the infamous ‘Ndrangheta mafia. This high-profile probe has already led to the arrest of 19 individuals, shaking the foundation of Italian football.
Simone Inzaghi’s Involvement: A Witness, Not a Suspect
Simone Inzaghi was questioned by Italian police on Wednesday as part of the investigation, but it was made clear that he is not a target of the inquiry. Instead, he is serving as a witness, offering crucial testimony in a case that has stunned the football world. The probe focuses on the alleged ties between the “ultras” and organized crime, with authorities aiming to shed light on potential criminal infiltration into the fan culture.
The investigation’s scope includes claims that senior Inter ultra Marco Ferdico had directly contacted Inzaghi just before the 2023 Champions League final. According to a 568-page arrest warrant, Ferdico requested that the manager lobby Inter’s directors to allocate additional tickets to the fan group. This has raised questions about how far the relationship between the club and its ultras extends.
Widespread Arrests and Mafia Links
The ongoing investigation has already seen 19 high-profile arrests, including prominent figures from the ultra groups supporting both Inter Milan and AC Milan. The suspects are believed to have connections with the ‘Ndrangheta, a powerful mafia organization originating in Calabria, southern Italy, that has now become one of the most feared criminal syndicates in the world. The charges against those arrested range from mafia-related activities to extortion, assault, and even drug trafficking.
Among those detained are Luca Lucci and Renato Bosetti, leaders of the AC Milan and Inter Milan ultras, respectively. Both men have had previous brushes with the law, with Lucci having a prior conviction related to drug offenses. These arrests are a stark reminder of the deep-rooted connections between certain fan groups and organized crime.
The ‘Ndrangheta’s Grip on Football
At the heart of the investigation is the alleged mafia infiltration into the lucrative business surrounding football, particularly at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium. Prosecutors believe that members of the ‘Ndrangheta sought to take control of key revenue streams around the stadium, including parking, food and beverage sales, ticket distribution, and even souvenir merchandising. This attempt to monopolize various activities tied to match-day operations points to a broader strategy of organized crime exploiting the financial ecosystem of football.
The investigation has also uncovered that some members of these fan groups may have been involved in drug trafficking, adding another layer of criminality to the case. Police conducted searches of over 50 individuals’ homes, further revealing the extent of the mafia’s influence. Among those targeted in the raids was Giancarlo Lombardi, a former top AC Milan supporter known as “The Baron,” and Antonio Bellocco, a former local ‘Ndrangheta boss.
Football’s Struggle Against Organized Crime
Italian football has long been vulnerable to the influence of organized crime, but this latest investigation has sent shockwaves through the sport. Authorities, including Italy’s anti-mafia prosecutor Giovanni Melillo, have expressed concerns about the growing risks of mafia infiltration in both professional and non-professional football. Melillo emphasized the need for football clubs and organizations to remain vigilant and avoid turning a blind eye to such dangers.
Inter Milan and AC Milan have both been named as “offended parties” in the case, with prosecutors urging the clubs to reassess their relationships with the ultras. While the clubs themselves are not under investigation, they must prove that they have taken steps to sever any ties with deviant supporters to avoid future infiltrations. Milan prosecutor Marcello Viola made it clear that the clubs have established regulations to prevent such incidents but must continue to strengthen these measures.
Club Reaction and Next Steps
As the investigation unfolds, Inter Milan has remained largely silent on the matter. However, club chairman Giuseppe Marotta stated that the club is fully cooperating with the authorities. No further comments have been issued, reflecting the sensitive nature of the ongoing probe.
The investigation is far from over, and it remains to be seen what impact it will have on the relationship between Italian football clubs and their most fervent supporters. The involvement of organized crime in ultra fan groups underscores the complexity of managing fan culture while maintaining integrity within the sport. Italian authorities are determined to expose these connections and bring an end to the mafia’s grip on football.
The investigation into the links between Inter and AC Milan ultras and the ‘Ndrangheta mafia has opened up a Pandora’s box for Italian football. With high-profile arrests and allegations of mafia methods being used to control various aspects of the sport, the probe shines a light on the darker side of fan culture. For now, Inzaghi remains a witness, but the implications for Italian football and its ties to organized crime may be long-lasting.
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When is Inter’s next match?
Inter play Roma away from home on October 21 from 12:15 am (IST).
