Accusation of former Italy national team footballer in connections with the mafia: court issued a verdict.

Monza player and former Italy national football team player Armando Izzo has been acquitted of all charges in the match-fixing and mafia connections case. Earlier, Izzo was found guilty of sports fraud and collusion with the Neapolitan mafia during his Time playing for the 'Avellino' team (Serie B) in the 2013/2014 season. In April 2017, Armando received an 18-month ban and a fine of 50,000 euros, but a month later the fine was reduced to six months. The appellate court overturned this ruling and acquitted Izzo. Izzo stated: 'I am very satisfied with the court's decision. I believed in the justice system from the very beginning'. It is noteworthy that the legendary former Barcelona defender and Brazil national team player Dani Alves was also acquitted in a rape case. On January 20, 2023, Alves was arrested on suspicion of raping a girl in a nightclub. In March 2024, Alves was found guilty and sentenced to 4.5 years in prison and another 5 years probation. However, the Supreme Court of Catalonia overturned this ruling due to lack of evidence. The court rejected appeals from the prosecution and the alleged victim, who requested an increase in the sentence. Dani Alves is a legendary football player, having won 43 titles in his professional career and is one of the most successful players in football history.