Monza’s Armando Izzo Acquitted of Match-Fixing and Mafia Involvement Charges

In a significant legal development, Monza defender Armando Izzo has been officially exonerated from all allegations of match-fixing and connections to organized crime. These charges, which date back to 2014, have been hanging over the player for nearly a decade.

The case centered around a Serie B match between Avellino, Izzo’s former club, and Modena in May 2014. Suspicions of result manipulation led to an investigation that began in 2016. Throughout the proceedings, Izzo consistently maintained his innocence.

After years of legal battles and multiple court decisions, the Court of Appeal has finally overturned the initial guilty verdict, completely clearing Izzo of any wrongdoing. This decision marks the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty for the 33-year-old defender.

Izzo’s Unwavering Stance of Innocence

Following the verdict, a relieved Izzo expressed his gratitude: “I am extremely satisfied with the outcome. As I’ve always maintained from the beginning, I had faith in the justice system. I cannot thank my lawyers enough for their unwavering belief in me. I’m also grateful to my family and to Monza, especially Galliani and Berlusconi, who continued to trust me despite being aware of the ongoing trial.”

It’s worth noting that Izzo’s career continued to progress during the investigation. He earned three caps for the Italian national team in 2019, well after the initial accusations surfaced in 2016.

The case has seen various twists and turns over the years. In April 2017, Izzo received an 18-month ban and a €50,000 fine, which was later reduced to a six-month ban. The civil justice system, moving at a slower pace than its sporting counterpart, handed down a five-year suspended sentence in May 2023. However, this verdict has now been overturned on appeal, bringing the case to a close and vindicating Izzo.

This resolution allows Izzo to move forward with his career, free from the shadow of these long-standing allegations.