An Italian judge sentenced 16 fans from Inter Milan and AC Milan to prison terms ranging from two to ten years for serious crimes, including murder and extortion. The trial, fast-tracked and held in a high-security environment, stemmed from arrests following a broader investigation into ultra groups' ties to the 'Ndrangheta mafia. Notable sentences included ten years for leaders of the ultras who cooperated with authorities. The case highlighted the dangerous influence of these groups within and beyond sports culture in Italy, leading to public demonstrations by AC Milan supporters.
Prosecutors alleged that the ultra groups acted as 'private militias' with criminal influence beyond the stadium, involving mafia infiltration and far-right connections.
Andrea Beretta, confessed to a murder and became a state witness, leading to a reduced sentence despite the severity of his crime.
Luca Lucci, a notorious ultra leader, was sentenced alongside other fans while being under investigation for drug trafficking in a separate case.
The defence dismissed the prosecution's charges, claiming they were merely a 'house of cards' and not substantiated by evidence.
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