The Bari District Anti-Mafia Directorate has requested three convictions in the summary trial into alleged mafia threats against the top management of Foggia Calcio. According to the prosecution, a long series of intimidating acts was an attempt by Foggia's organized crime to gain influence over the club, currently under judicial administration—the first such case in Italy in the world of football.
Prosecutor Bruna Manganelli has requested a sentence of 7 years, 2 months, and 20 days for Marco Lombardi, believed to be close to the Sinesi-Francavilla clan and considered the instigator of the intimidation. A sentence of 5 years and 10 months has been requested for Massimiliano Russo, while Fabio Delli Carri faces a sentence of 5 years and 6 months. The charges include attempted extortion aggravated by mafia methods and criminal damage. A fourth defendant, Danilo Mustaccioli, is currently on trial under the ordinary procedure before the Court of Foggia.
The investigations have reconstructed an escalation of pressure between June 2023 and May 2024. Among the contested episodes there is also the placing of a bomb under the car of the son of the owner Nicola Canonico, as well as intimidation aimed at the team captain, an ultras leader and club managers.
Nicola Canonico, his son Emanuele, and CN Holding, owner of Foggia Calcio, have joined the proceedings as civil plaintiffs. The Bari businessman and the club are seeking damages of three million euros, while Emanuele Canonico is seeking €500. The hearing before Bari preliminary hearing judge Giuseppe Battista will resume on February 24th with oral arguments.
Meanwhile, the future of the company remains unresolved: in recent weeks, Canonico signed a preliminary sales agreement with entrepreneurs Antonio and Giuseppe De Vitto and Gennaro Casillo. Tomorrow, the Bari Preventive Court will rule on the judicial clearance required for the transfer of ownership.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
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