The Italian football world was rocked on Thursday after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officially announced a series of fines and bans involving Serie A giants Inter Milan and AC Milan. The sanctions follow a months-long investigation into the clubs' alleged improper relations with unauthorized fan groups. The inquiry, launched back in November 2024, was triggered by the arrest of several notorious ultras associated with both clubs, including members of Inter’s Curva Nord and Milan’s Curva Sud.
Leading the list of punishments is Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi and influential midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who have both been handed one-match bans. The Serie A table-toppers will now be without two of their key figures for their crucial league clash against Hellas Verona this Saturday.
In addition to his suspension, Calhanoglu was fined €30,000, while Inzaghi was slapped with a €15,000 penalty.
The disciplinary measures didn’t stop at the pitch. Inter Milan received a hefty €70,000 fine, with their city rivals AC Milan ordered to pay €30,000.
Adding to Inter’s woes, Vice-President Javier Zanetti was personally fined €14,500, as the FIGC emphasized the need for strict boundaries between official club operations and unofficial supporter groups.
According to the FIGC’s official statement, the punishments were imposed due to relations with unauthorized fan groups, which breach the league’s codes of conduct and safety protocols.
“The investigation revealed inappropriate connections between club officials, players, staff, and certain sections of ultras, compromising the integrity and public order obligations expected of professional football entities,” the FIGC ruling read.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Inter Milan, who are currently leading the Serie A title race. The absence of Calhanoglu’s midfield mastery and Inzaghi’s touchline presence this weekend could test the depth and resilience of their squad.