AC Monza defender Armando Izzo has been found guilty of match fixing and participation in a criminal organisation. According to the ANSA news agency, the Italian has been sentenced to five years in prison. However, Izzo says he is innocent and appeals against the verdict.
Three-time Italian international gets prison sentence for match fixing
The investigation into the now 31-year-old Izzo has been going on for years and concerns a case that dates back to the 2013/14 season. The defender, who has three caps for Italy to his name, then played for Avellino in Serie B. He is accused of manipulating two league games. Izzo would work with his cousin, who is a leader of a local clan within the Neapolitan mafia.
On Thursday, Izzo was found guilty. “I am very disappointed with this,” the defender writes on Instagram. “I have been cleared of any wrongdoing in the Avellino-Reggina match played on May 25, 2014, but I am accused of manipulating the Modena-Avellino match on May 17, 2014, a match in which I did not even play. Together with my lawyers, I will read the judges’ motivation and then appeal.”
In a statement on the club’s website, Monza emphasises that it supports its player. “We are convinced of his innocence,” reports the current number ten in Serie A. Izzo participated in 25 league games this season. His punishment does not take effect immediately: it is therefore not the case that the defender immediately ends up in jail.
Mourinho antagonises referee committee
In other Serie A news, José Mourinho has not made friends in Italy with his special action. The Italian referee committee rejects the behaviour of the Portuguese.
Mourinho was again at odds with the arbitration on Wednesday. The AS Roma coach, who was suspended earlier this season for his behaviour along the line, this time aimed his poison arrows at Daniele Chiffi. “The worst referee I’ve ever seen,” it sounded after the duel with Monza (1-1).
But Mourinho had gone beyond words. “He had placed a microphone to record the altercation with the referee. To protect himself,” he said.
The referee committee rejected the criticism of Chiffi, according to Italian media. The referee committee (AIC) was harder in its opinion, through chairman Renzo Ulivieri. “The Italian trainers stand next to the referees. What Mourinho has said is unacceptable. And admitting you’re using a microphone undermines the whole system,” he said.
Ulivieri in La Gazzetta dello Sport rejects any suggestion that it is personal. He commented, “A month ago, the AIC praised Mourinho for his behaviour towards his own fans who insulted Dejan Stankovic. We like to see that image of a coach with his charisma. That should have increased his sense of responsibility.”
