Italian football isn't just about goals and glory anymore. Recent investigations have revealed that crime bosses and far-right groups are infiltrating the passionate world of 'ultra' football fans across several Italian cities. 🏟️🔍
Leading anti-mafia prosecutors in Milan have uncovered that ultra groups at powerhouse clubs Inter and AC Milan are becoming deeply entangled with notorious crime gangs like the 'Ndrangheta. These connections have led to ticket scams and protection rackets around the iconic San Siro stadium, shared by both clubs.
In a major crackdown last September, police arrested 19 high-profile ultra members, including Antonio Bellocco—a key figure in the 'Ndrangheta and a prominent Inter Milan ultra—who was killed outside a boxing gym. 📉🔫
Prosecutors have traced direct links between Inter's 'Curva Nord' and the 'Ndrangheta, highlighting a troubling subservience of the club to these criminal elements. Similar investigations have tied a leading AC Milan ultra to drug trafficking operations.
But it's not just Milan. Mob influence is spreading to other Italian cities, aiming to control fans and clubs at all professional levels. Both Inter and AC Milan, owned by U.S. investors, are publicly cooperating with authorities to combat this rise in criminal activity.
Giuseppe Marotta, Inter's President, reassured fans, saying, \"We are the injured party, as the authorities have said.\" Meanwhile, AC Milan is actively working with prosecutors to identify and address areas needing intervention.
'Military control' isn't a new concept in Italian ultras. These groups, known for their vibrant banners and intense chants, have a long history dating back to the 1960s, often clashing with rival factions. 🇮🇹🔥
Giovanni Melillo, Italy's Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Chief Prosecutor, emphasized that these ultras have been using intimidation and violence to control business activities around stadiums, turning football grounds into battlegrounds for organized crime.
As authorities ramp up their efforts, the hope is to restore the true spirit of Italian football, free from the shadows of organized crime. ⚽✨
