A Turin-based publication, Tuttosport, has raised concerns about the fairness of recent one-match bans imposed on Inter Milan`s coach Simone Inzaghi and player Hakan Calhanoglu. The newspaper argues that these penalties are disproportionately lenient compared to the treatment of former Juventus owner Andrea Agnelli in a similar case from 2017.
Background on the Inzaghi and Calhanoglu Bans
Earlier this week, both Inzaghi and Calhanoglu received fines and one-match suspensions following a plea agreement. This came after an investigation into their interactions with ultra groups not officially recognized by the club, which violates Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regulations.
The investigation began in 2024 following a tragic incident involving the murder of a supporter and subsequent arrests of ultras with alleged mafia connections. It was revealed that several high-profile figures in Italian football, including Inzaghi, Calhanoglu, and others, had engaged in discussions with these groups, breaching FIGC rules.
Tuttosport`s Argument
Tuttosport claims there is an “unequal application of justice,” pointing out that while Inzaghi and Calhanoglu received relatively minor punishments, Agnelli faced a much harsher 12-month suspension (later reduced to three months) for a comparable incident in 2017.
The newspaper questions the timing of the ruling, which was announced on May 1st, a public holiday in Italy when sports dailies do not publish. They also note that the bans conveniently coincide with a match against Verona, where Inter was likely to make significant lineup changes anyway due to an upcoming Champions League fixture.
Concluding Remarks
While Tuttosport does not advocate for harsher punishments for Inzaghi and Calhanoglu, considering them more as victims than instigators, the paper emphasizes what it sees as a stark difference in treatment between Inter and Juventus by football authorities. The article labels it an “abysmal difference in treatment” and accuses the Federal Prosecutor`s Office of acting “softly” in this case.