Inter Milan face a pivotal week with crucial Champions League and Milan derby fixtures looming. However, the club has been rocked by the disturbing revelation of links between organized crime and its hardcore supporters.
On Sunday, Inter travel to Monza hoping to maintain their league lead. However, coach Simone Inzaghi is expected to rest key players ahead of their daunting trip to Manchester City in the Champions League.
Off the pitch, Inter has been embroiled in a shocking incident. Andrea Beretta, a reputed heir to a powerful crime family, was stabbed to death by Antonio Bellocco, a leader of the club’s “ultras.” Bellocco’s high status within the ‘Ndrangheta mafia has raised concerns about mafia infiltration into ultra groups.
The incident highlights fears that criminal organizations are exploiting the financial gains allegedly earned by some supporter organizations through illicit activities. Beretta had taken a leading role in the Curva Nord section after the murder of Vittorio Boiocchi, another career criminal who reportedly boasted of earning substantial sums through his position as ultra leader.
Inter’s biggest challenge this week comes on Wednesday when they face Manchester City in the Champions League. Inzaghi will need his first-choice players fit for both City and the Milan derby, which presents an opportunity to further distance themselves from their local rivals.
Meanwhile, AC Milan, who trail Inter by five points, host Venezia on Sunday. New coach Paulo Fonseca faces a tough start, with Tuesday’s visit of Liverpool also on the horizon. Tammy Abraham is set to make his first start alongside former Chelsea teammates Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
In other Serie A action, Atalanta, who suffered a heavy defeat to Inter before the international break, host Fiorentina on Sunday. Ademola Lookman, the hat-trick hero of last season’s Europa League victory, is expected to feature after agitating for a summer transfer.
