Mafia in San Siro: Skriniar trembled with fear

Where there is a lot of money, the mafia is not far away. This is the case all over the world, but especially in Italy. This week, a large-scale raid shook Milan football. Some gangsters had contacts right up to the top ranks of Inter.

03 October 2024

From: cst

Anti-mafia prosecutor Giovanni Melillo summed it up. "Not every ultra is a mafioso. But we cannot close our eyes to what is happening in the stands in our stadiums," said Melillo at the start of the week. The statement was preceded by a raid in Milan in which 18 high-ranking ultras from Inter and Milan were arrested.

One of the best-known names is that of Luca Lucci. The Milan ultra is considered to be right-wing extremist - and an acquaintance of former Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. There are quite a few photos in which the politician can be seen with Lucci. Rapper Fedez, who is an ardent Milan tifoso, also had contact with the ultra boss. The two are said to have talked not only about stadium tickets, but also about business relationships. Fedez will also have to do without his two bodyguards in the future. They are among the 18 arrested.

Inter-Capo killed in September

However, the focus is more on city rivals Inter. Ultra bosses there are said to have maintained contacts right up to the top of the club. After the Inter ultra Antonio Bellocco (he comes from Calabria and is the son of an 'Ndrangheta mafioso) was murdered in September, the investigations were intensified. The perpetrator has now been caught.

Simone Inzaghi had direct contact with Inter's ultra bosses. © ANSA / GABRIEL BOUYS

The 'Ndrangheta is also said to play a major role in the Inter-Kanzlei. The mafia organisation, which originates from the Calabrian hinterland and is now one of the most powerful in the world, controlled the sale of fan merchandise at the San Siro, managed drinks kiosks and collected protection money for parking spaces.

Inter Vice President Zanetti warned Ultras

Marco Ferdico, another big name among the Inter Ultras, was also arrested. As was revealed, Ferdico even called coach Simone Inzaghi personally. Because there were not enough tickets for the Champions League final against Manchester City, the Ultra boss demanded more. Inzaghi referred Ferdico to the club's top management. "I'm talking to Marotta and Zanetti," the Inter coach, who always addressed Ferdico by his first name, is said to have told the Ultra. Ferdico is a well-known face in Milan. The 38-year-old is associated with organized drug trafficking. Whenever Inter was successful, Ferdico was allowed to be photographed with the trophy. There are numerous photos of the gangster with the 2024 Scudetto trophy, but also with Inter professionals.

Javier Zanetti, Vice President of Inter. © APA/afp / GABRIEL BOUYS

Inter vice president Javier Zanetti is said to have also interacted with the ultras in recent weeks. The Argentinean is said to have told the fans that they have been under strict surveillance since Bellocco's murder. Because the training center in Appiano is under video surveillance, it would be better for them to meet in other places, Zanetti told the fans.

Former captain Skriniar put under pressure

In the coming days, Inzaghi, Marotta, Zanetti and other Inter bosses will testify before investigators. PSG professional Milan Skriniar has also been called as a witness. The defender's story is a special one. The Slovakian wanted to move from Inter to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2023. According to reports, he was put under pressure by the Ultras of the Curva Nord not to do this - or only after extending his contract. To avoid consequences, Skriniar even met with the leaders of the curve.

Pressure was also put on the player in public. Before a Serie A game, for example, a banner was put up that read: "Skriniar, you are our captain. You are the boss of Milan. Stay with us!" Teammates are said to have reported that after victories, Skriniar stood shaking in front of the mighty north curve to applaud.