An Italian court has sentenced sixteen ultra football fans from Inter Milan and AC Milan to a total of 90 years in prison. The fast-track trial ended on Tuesday, June 17, after months of investigations into the illegal activities of ultra groups tied to both clubs.
These ultras, known for their fierce loyalty and violent behavior, were convicted of serious crimes. Offences ranged from criminal conspiracy to murder. Many of the crimes happened around Milan’s San Siro stadium on matchdays.
Activities included illegal ticket sales, forcing people to pay for stadium entry, and taking control of parking and food stands without approval.
Mafia Links, Murders and Stadium Control Revealed in Trial
One of the longest sentences went to Andrea Beretta, a former leader in Inter Milan’s “Curva Nord” fan group. He received 10 years for mafia-style criminal conspiracy and for murdering Antonio Bellocco, another Inter ultra. Beretta fatally stabbed Bellocco outside a boxing gym in a Milan suburb.
The killing helped police arrest 19 major ultra figures linked to Inter and Milan in September.
Bellocco had close ties to the ‘Ndrangheta, a notorious mafia group based in southern Italy. His death stunned the ultra scene. Beretta reportedly turned state’s witness during the investigation, providing critical information about the network’s operations.
Authorities later connected him to the 2022 murder of another violent Inter ultra, Vittorio Boiocchi. Boiocchi was shot dead outside his home during a battle over who controlled Inter’s ultra faction.
Beretta and fellow convict Marco Ferdico, who received eight years, were said to have used Bellocco’s mafia backing to dominate other ultra members. They reportedly forced out rival groups that had far-right leanings.
AC Milan’s leading ultra, Luca Lucci, also received a 10-year prison sentence. He was convicted of organizing the attempted murder of Enzo Anghinelli, a rival supporter, in 2019. Daniele Cataldo, who attacked Anghinelli, got the same sentence.
The case went through Italy’s rito abbreviato, a fast-track trial system. This legal approach uses only the evidence collected by prosecutors and avoids lengthy court proceedings. It led to faster convictions but carried the same weight as a full trial.
Three suspects were not included in the fast-track process and are facing separate trials. One of them is Francesco Lucci, brother of Luca Lucci. Francesco often led the Milan ultra group during his brother’s legal battles. He faces charges that include drug trafficking and an assault that may have led to a fan’s suicide.
Both Inter Milan and AC Milan were cleared of any wrongdoing in the crimes. However, the court acknowledged the damage caused and awarded each club ₦50 million as compensation.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles.
