The Court of Appeal of Turin confirmed and indeed toughened the sentences against five “fans” of the Juventusaccused in the investigation Last Banner of criminal conspiracy and extortion. He writes about it Turin Courierwhich reports how the second degree sentence fully confirmed the accusatory system of five exponents of the Juventus ultra group “Drughi”, increasing the sentences.
In particular, the Piedmontese judges recognized, in addition to the crime of criminal association – it is the first time in Italy in reference to organized fans – also a consummated extortion attempt, for which the five had been acquitted at first instance. As a result, the penalties were increased, specifically: 8 years of imprisonment for Dino Mocciola, believed to be the leader of the group; 4 years and 7 months for Salvatore Cava; 4 years and 6 months for Sergio Genre; 4 years and 4 months for Umberto Toia; 3 years and 11 months for Giuseppe Franzo. The defense will appeal to the Supreme Court.
Juventus, assisted by the lawyer Luigi Chiappero, and some employees and former employees of the club – with the lawyer Maria Turco – had joined the civil action. As mentioned, the increase in penalties is affected by the committed, and not just attempted, crime of extortion against Alberto Pairetto, the Juventus manager who maintained relations with the fans. The reference is to the practice of giving away tickets for matches away from home and around Europe. In 2018, Juventus, at the instigation of the Turin Police Headquarters, interrupted the privileges of the ultras and filed a complaint. The result was a long fan strike in the corner, often linked, albeit incorrectly, to the high price of tickets.