As the Milan prosecutor’s office conducts a large-scale investigation into the world of ultras and the infiltration of ‘ndrangheta in the San Siro stadium’s fan sections, Inter Milan’s president, Giuseppe Marotta, addressed the media just minutes before the team’s Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade. Following a convincing 4-0 victory for the Nerazzurri, Marotta reassured fans, stating, “As the magistrates indicated in their press conference, we are the injured party and have nothing to fear. We have guaranteed full cooperation with the authorities and are entirely available to assist.” He emphasized the club’s commitment to strict security protocols managed by a former law enforcement officer while acknowledging that some issues extend beyond institutional control.
Despite Marotta’s attempts to reassure supporters, the club is facing serious allegations outlined by prosecutors. They claim that Inter maintains a relationship with organized crime and stadium-related criminal activity, characterized by “culpable facilitation and subservience.” The investigation has already resulted in the arrest of 19 leaders from both Inter and AC Milan’s ultras groups, highlighting a troubling dependency on the North Curve figures, as noted by the preliminary investigations judge, Domenico Santoro.
The prosecutors, Paolo Storari and Sara Ombra, noted the club’s ongoing inability to sever dangerous ties with these groups. Their request for pre-trial detention has led to the imprisonment of several prominent ultras leaders, including Andrea Beretta, already in custody for the murder of Antonio Bellocco. The inquiry aims to dismantle illicit operations and the connections between the North Curve and ‘ndrangheta families, who have targeted profitable ventures related to ticketing, concessions, parking, and merchandise at the iconic Meazza stadium.
In light of these events, both Inter and Milan have entered a “preventive procedure,” although the clubs are not being investigated directly. Marotta reassured the public that there would not be a request for judicial administration at this stage, but a dialogue with the clubs’ legal representatives will take place. This measure allows the teams to address the illegal situations identified by investigators, marking them as “special surveillance” entities.
For Marotta and Inter, the pressure is on to eliminate these problematic relationships. Failure to do so could lead to the appointment of a judicial administrator to work alongside club management in an effort to address the ongoing issues. As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on Inter’s leadership and their capacity to navigate this turbulent period without jeopardizing the club’s reputation and integrity.
