Simone Inzaghi and Hakan Çalhanoglu are suspended for the upcoming match against Hellas Verona this Saturday. This is due to a meeting they had with members of an unrecognized supporters’ group at the end of September. AC Milan has also been sanctioned for a similar reason.
An investigation launched in November into the relationship between Internazionale and various ultra groups suspected of links to organized crime has resulted in major disciplinary action just days before Inter’s Serie A clash with Hellas Verona, scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at 20:45.
The same investigation has also implicated city rivals AC Milan, further intensifying the scandal that has cast a shadow over Italian football in recent months.
The inquiry was initiated in response to the murder of Antonio Belocco, a prominent member of Inter’s Curva Nord supporters' section, who was gunned down under circumstances suggesting possible involvement of criminal networks. The investigation quickly expanded to include a broader examination of the interactions between football clubs and unofficial fan factions especially ultras, some of whom have long been suspected of using their influence within stadiums to conduct illicit activities or assert power through intimidation.
Evidence gathered during the probe revealed that multiple high-profile figures at Inter, including head coach Simone Inzaghi and midfielder Hakan Çalhanoglu, had engaged in conversations and meetings with members of an unrecognized supporters' group violating the strict guidelines of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). According to the Code of Sporting Justice, specifically Articles 4 and 25, club staff and players are prohibited from maintaining relationships with fan groups that are not officially registered or recognized by the league and federation.
These rules are designed not only to preserve the integrity of the sport but also to sever any potential connections between clubs and fan factions that may be influenced by criminal elements. The violation, therefore, was treated with utmost seriousness by both the FIGC and the Italian Public Prosecutor’s Office.
In response to the findings, Inzaghi and Çalhanoglu negotiated directly with authorities and reached a settlement agreement that spares them from further legal proceedings. As part of the resolution, Inzaghi received a one-match suspension and a fine of €15,000, while Çalhanoglu was handed the same one-match ban alongside a steeper financial penalty of €30,000.
Both will now be unavailable for Inter’s upcoming trip to Verona a potentially tricky fixture at a critical stage of the season. With Inter pushing to maintain their momentum in the league and secure a strong finish, the absence of their head coach and one of their key midfielders may present challenges in both leadership and tactics on matchday. Assistant coaching staff and alternative midfield options will be called upon to step up in their absence.
The club itself has not been spared. Inter has been issued a €70,000 fine, reflecting the institutional responsibility for maintaining clear boundaries between its representatives and unofficial supporter groups. AC Milan, also found to have breached similar conduct standards, received a €30,000 fine.
The scandal has also extended beyond the pitch to other individuals affiliated with both clubs. Among those under scrutiny is Davide Calabria, who committed comparable violations while serving as captain of AC Milan. Calabria, currently on loan at Bologna, is accused of engaging in unauthorized contact with the same or similar fan factions. Unlike Inzaghi and Çalhanoglu, he has yet to reach a settlement and is expected to testify before authorities in the coming days.
These developments have sent shockwaves through Italian football, raising serious questions about the influence and reach of ultra groups, as well as the measures clubs are taking or failing to take to ensure compliance with sporting laws and ethical standards. The Italian Football Federation has pledged to reinforce monitoring mechanisms and take firmer action against clubs that fail to uphold these boundaries in the future.
The timing of the scandal, as the Serie A season approaches its decisive weeks, adds another layer of tension and distraction for the clubs involved. While the immediate penalties appear manageable, the long-term reputational damage both for the individuals and the institutions may linger beyond this season.
For now, all eyes will be on Inter’s performance against Hellas Verona this Saturday, not only to assess their on-pitch response but also to see how the club manages the growing pressure off the field, as investigations continue to unfold.
