Inzaghi and Calhanoglu of Inter Hit with One-Match Suspensions Over Ultra Connections

Inter Milan’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, along with midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, has received one-match suspensions, while both Inter and their city rivals AC Milan have faced fines due to their connections with extreme ‘ultra’ fan groups, as announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday.

These disciplinary measures are a result of the arrest last September of 19 notable “ultras” associated with both clubs, many of whom are believed to have ties to the ‘Ndrangheta mafia.

The consequences mean that Inzaghi will be absent from the technical area and Calhanoglu will not be in action when Inter take on Verona this Saturday. The reigning champions, Inter, currently sit second in Serie A, trailing leaders Napoli by three points.

Inter has been fined €70,000 (approximately AUD 79,000), while AC Milan faces a fine of €30,000.

The penalties were enforced due to connections with unauthorised supporter factions, including Inter’s “Curva Nord” and Milan’s “Curva Sud,” according to the FIGC’s announcement.

According to Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport, these sanctions resulted from plea-bargaining between the parties involved and the sporting authorities.

In addition to his one-match ban, Calhanoglu is also required to pay a fine of €30,000, while Inzaghi has been fined €15,000.

Javier Zanetti, a club legend who played for Inter for 20 years and now serves as the club’s vice-president, was also penalised, receiving a fine of €14,500.