MILAN — On June 17, an Italian judge sentenced 16 hardcore “ultra” fans of Inter Milan and AC Milan to prison terms ranging from two to ten years. The convictions stem from crimes including murder, extortion, and criminal association linked to the ‘Ndrangheta mafia.
The verdict followed a fast-track trial held behind closed doors at Milan’s San Vittore prison. The case arose from the arrest of 19 individuals in September 2024 after investigations by Milan prosecutors and the national anti-mafia office.
Prosecutors described the ultra groups as “private militias” with criminal influence beyond football stadiums, infiltrated by mafia and far-right extremist groups.
Andrea Beretta, former leader of Inter Milan ultras, was sentenced to 10 years for the murder of Antonio Bellocco, a key ‘Ndrangheta figure and fellow ultra. Beretta cooperated as a state witness, which helped reduce his sentence.
Luca Lucci, historic leader of AC Milan ultras, received 10 years plus four years probation on charges including criminal association and attempted murder. He is also under investigation for international drug trafficking.
Despite defense lawyers calling the prosecution a “house of cards,” the judge ordered immediate compensation payments totaling €50,000 each to Inter and Milan clubs, plus €20,000 to Serie A, with further damages to be decided in civil court.
Authorities revealed the ultras and mafia ran ticket scams and rackets at San Siro stadium’s facilities. Investigators noted similar mafia and far-right infiltration of ultra groups in other parts of Italy.
