World
October 6, 2024 11:10
rome - The hardcore fans of AC Milan and Inter are found to have deep connections with the 'ndrangheta mafia, engaging in criminal activities ranging from violence to extortion.
Every day reveals new details showcasing the strong ties between the capi (leaders) of the supporters' hardcore of the two Milan clubs and the 'ndrangheta mafia. Authorities accuse these 'supporters' of various criminal activities such as violence, illegal weapons possession, and extortion.
The ultras of the two rival clubs frequently collaborate. Earlier this week, eighteen ultras from both Milan and Inter were arrested, dismantling the top echelon. Additionally, fifty search warrants were executed.
Prosecutors criticize the two Milan clubs for inadequately addressing these ultras. They refer to the situation as 'toxic'. Even the anti-mafia committee of the city of Milan is said to have underestimated the issue.
In particular, Inter is accused of not taking sufficient action against the violent supporters. The club allegedly succumbs to the pressure they exert, facilitating their funding. For instance, providing tickets to ultras for a crucial match, which they resell at exorbitant prices.
AC Milan and Inter, however, claim to be victims and assert their cooperation with authorities. While not officially charged yet, it's likely that measures will be taken against the clubs, potentially putting them under supervision. Inter and Milan must demonstrate their disassociation from the ultras.
Among the arrestees earlier this week is 43-year-old Luca Lucci, also known as 'The Bull' or 'Joker'. He is the undisputed leader of AC Milan's ultras and oversees the main section of Milan fans, the Curva Sud. Lucci blinded an Inter supporter in 2009, leading to the latter's suicide three years later. Moreover, Lucci was convicted in 2018 and later in December 2021 for drug trafficking. Initially sentenced to seven years in prison, his term was converted to house arrest.
The head of Milan's hardcore fans had direct connections with international drug cartels from Brazil and Morocco. Lucci is now surrounded by 'ndrangheta members. Describing the ties as excellent, Lucci even calls them 'family'. Several members of the notorious Barbaro clan from the Calabria region have obtained prominent positions within Curva Sud, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
In 2018, Lucci organized the 50th anniversary of Milan's Curva Sud. The guest of honor was then Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, a fervent Milan supporter. Clad in red and black, the club's colors, the politician warmly greeted the beaming Lucci.
Salvini later claimed ignorance of Lucci's convictions, expressing faith in the police to eradicate mafia and violence from the stadium. The recently arrested Lucci is also an entrepreneur, owning barbershops and tattoo parlors. Collaborating with popular Italian rapper Fedez, they planned to market a beverage brand in the stadium and purchase a nightclub in Milan, in addition to considering a tattoo shop near the cathedral.
At Inter, 36-year-old Calabria native Antonio Bellocco served as the 'ndrangheta representative. Introduced through Andrea Berretta, a 49-year-old leader of Inter's ultras, Bellocco ascended to the top of Curva Nord. Despite their close friendship, a dispute over money led to an altercation in September, resulting in Berretta shooting Bellocco in the thigh, then being stabbed multiple times, leading to Bellocco's demise.
Berretta was previously close with Vittorio Boiocchi, who was murdered two years ago in what appeared to be a criminal vendetta within the drug world. The murder is unresolved, as Boiocchi, released in 2018 after 26 years in prison, assumed the ultras' leadership until his fatal shooting in October 2022 outside his residence.