Hakan Calhanoglu, Simone Inzaghi and vice president Javier Zanetti have all been reprimanded for their interactions with Inter Milan’s ultras group ‘Curva Nord’.
What is Curva Nord?
Curva Nord — which translates to ‘North Curve’ in English — is a term coined for the specific stand at the San Siro where Inter Milan’s most passionate, and at times controversial fans sit.
The Curva Sud (South Curve) of Milan are direct rivals, and represent the most vocal section of the home support.
Inter’s Curva Nord are thought of as the club’s ‘ultras’, and although they are largely non-violent and simply represent the most impassioned supporters, there have been several unsavoury incidents that have earned them a terrorising reputation.
Not least attacking police and the Juventus team bus in February of last year, resulting in 50 Inter Milan ultras being arrested and the group being banned from using tifos and megaphones.
Several Milan and Inter ultras with suspected links to Mafia families were also arrested in September 2024, for alleged extorsion and other ‘serious’ crimes.
Why Are Hakan Calhanoglu and Simone Inzaghi Banned?
Confirmed by the Italian FA on Thursday, both Hakan Calhanoglu and manager Simone Inzaghi will miss Inter Milan’s upcoming Serie A clash with Hellas Verona this weekend.
The Curva Nord remain under investigation for alleged ties to criminal organisations, and authorities have questioned why prominent figures at the club have interacted with the group’s leaders.
With suspicions over the club’s negligence in enabling criminal activity, Inter have reached a settlement with the Italian FA.
Hakan Calhanoglu will be forced to pay a €30,000 fine and serve a one-game suspension for his contact with Curva Nord leader Marco Ferdico.
Simone Inzaghi will also be absent from the touchline for Saturday’s meeting against Verona, and has also been ordered to cough up a €15,000 fine.
Off the pitch, former club curtain-turned vice president Javier Zanetti has also been caught up in the investigations, and will pay a fine of €14,500.
