Castellammare, this is how the ultras of the "Centro Antico" hunted down the fans of Sudtirol.

On the night of December 6, 2024, the streets of Castellammare di Stabia were no safe place for anyone wearing the wrong colors. As the lights at the "Romeo Menti" stadium dimmed after the match between Juve Stabia and Sudtirol, a group of young ultras began their "game": a meticulous manhunt, aimed at humiliating the visiting fans and stripping them of their symbols of belonging.

The Ambush at the Bar

Four South Tyrolean fans, unaware of the danger, were drinking inside the Bar Mafalda on Via Padre Kolbe, around 1:00 a.m. This is where the first act of the tragedy unfolded. According to the victims and the owner, a group of local youths, some with their faces covered by neck warmers and armed with wooden clubs, broke in.

The attack was swift: shoving, verbal threats, and physical violence. One of the visiting fans had his bag containing the "Curva Sudt" banner, his flag, and even Ceppitelli's jersey, which he had received as a gift at the end of the match, forcibly snatched from him. Others were forced to hand over sweatshirts and scarves bearing the club's symbols. "I started crying from the shock," one of the young men attacked told police officers.

Digital direction: WhatsApp and social "trophies"

Investigations by the DIGOS (Italian Special Operations Division) and the Castellammare di Stabia Police Station revealed a plan that relied heavily on digital data. Through analysis of seized phones, investigators reconstructed the activity of the WhatsApp group "UCA" (Ultras Centro Antico). Here, the suspects exchanged real-time information on the whereabouts of the Sudtirol fans: "Leave them alone, we also spoke with..." they would chat to coordinate their movements.

But that's not all. The group's arrogance extended to social media. A photo, circulating on Facebook and Instagram a few hours after the attack, depicted several suspects displaying Ceppitelli's stolen banner, scarves, and jersey as if they were war trophies. "Ernesto, did you put this online? Everyone can see it!" warned a worried audio message sent the next morning.

Identification: cameras and "kisses" on the neck

The gang was framed by a combination of footage from the city's surveillance cameras and the physical details provided by the victims. One suspect was identified by a "red kiss" tattoo on the left side of his neck. Others were captured fleeing the bar with "something white" in their hands, presumably the T-shirt they had just robbed. Footage from "Taverna Mafalda" and the De Cenzo goldsmith's shop allowed them to map every face and role: those who acted as lookouts, those who entered armed with sticks, and those who physically tore down the banners.

Dangerous ties and the new penal code

The investigation casts a sinister light on the "Ultras Centro Antico" group, described as a syndicate born from the ashes of old groups and connected to the city's historic district. The warrant mentions ties to individuals close to the D'Alessandro clan, such as Vincenzo Ingenito, previously arrested for murder on behalf of the clan and once a leader of the organized supporters' movement.

From a legal perspective, the ruling by preliminary investigations judge Riccardo Sena marks a turning point, implementing recent reforms (Law 114/2024). The judge has decided to immediately proceed with precautionary measures only for suspects accused of aggravated robbery (a crime of serious violence). For those charged "only" with receiving stolen goods (those who received the stolen goods), the law now requires a preliminary hearing before issuing a precautionary order, thus ensuring a new form of defense protection.

List of Suspects

BIRRESE Giuseppe, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 26.11.2000, resident there;

CAIAZZO Pio Francesco, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 13.08.2005, resident there;

DE LUCA Antonio, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 20.07.2000, resident there;

DE PASCALE Giovanni, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 15.05.2003, resident there;

DE PASCALE Vincenzo, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 16.06.2005, resident there;

DI NOLA Giuseppe, born in Vico Equense on 06.11.1998, resident in Castellammare di Stabia;

DI SOMMA Ciro, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 25.05.2006, resident there;

LUCARELLI Raffaele, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 10.04.1997, resident there;

MAY Carmine, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 02.03.2006, resident there;

NASTRO Ciro, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 22.12.1998, resident there;

RUSSO Antonio, born in Vico Equense on 16.06.2003, resident in Castellammare di Stabia;

RUSSO Raffaele, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 18.12.2005, resident there;

SALVATO Francesco Pio, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 03.04.2003, resident there;

TRAMPARULO Vincenzo Pio, born in Castellammare di Stabia on 29.04.2006, resident there.