Former Juventus and Italy forward Vincenzo Iaquinta faces the prospect of a six-year prison term for his alleged involvement with the mafia.
Prosecutors are seeking a strong punishment for the 38-year-old, who was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, for illegally holding firearms amid links with the ‘Ndrangheta.
In the largest investigation into mafia activity to be conducted in the north of Italy, in Reggio Emilia, Iaquinta’s father also faces a 19-year jail term after prosecutors delivered their findings over a year after Iaquinta was first summoned to court.
Back in May 2017, Iaquinta told the courts he had made a mistake in not notifying the authorities that he had moved two guns in his possession to his father’s home, after these unregistered firearms were discovered by police in 2015.
Evidence showing Iaquinta with ‘Ndrangheta members was also provided during the process, which went by the codename “Aemelia.”
Prison terms are being sought for a total of 147 individuals involved in the investigation.
Iaquinta represented Italy 40 times, scoring six goals, and spent most of his playing career with Udinese before joining Juventus in 2007. He left the Bianconeri six years later and ended his playing career in 2014.
Ben Gladwell reports on Serie A, the Italian national team and the Bundesliga for ESPN FC, UEFA and the Press Association. @UEFAcomBenG.
Be the first to comment