Among the seven members of the “Ultras Italia” group hit with stadium bans (Daspo) following tensions during Italy-Ireland, the 2026 World Cup qualifier played on 26 March at Bergamo’s New Balance Arena, is a fan from the province of Rimini.
The measures were issued by Bergamo’s chief of police, Vincenzo Nicolì, following an investigation by the Digos (Italy’s special police unit for public order). In total, 31 years of stadium bans and 10 years of mandatory police check-ins were handed down.
The investigation focused on a series of incidents that took place in the stands during the national team’s match. According to investigators’ reconstruction of events, some fans allegedly forced other spectators to get up and leave their seats, then took over those places despite holding tickets for different sections.
This reportedly led to moments of tension inside the stadium, in a crowd that included numerous families and minors.
Bergamo’s Digos then launched an investigation, sifting through footage from the stadium’s CCTV cameras. This work allowed investigators to reconstruct the events and identify the individuals believed to be involved.
Seven people in total were identified, born between 1991 and 2005. One comes from the province of Rimini, while the others are linked to the provinces of Vicenza, Pesaro-Urbino, Genoa and Rome, as well as the Fermo area. All seven have also been reported to judicial authorities.
The penalties imposed are severe. One of the ultras received a 10-year stadium ban along with two years of mandatory check-ins. A second must stay away from stadiums for five years, also with two years of check-ins. A third was given a four-year ban plus two years of check-ins. The remaining four were each handed three-year bans, accompanied by one year of mandatory check-ins.
The measures extend beyond Bergamo’s stadium and beyond national team matches. For the entire duration of the bans, those involved will be prohibited from attending football events, both official and friendly, at Italian and European sports venues.
The seven will also be barred from personally purchasing tickets through ticketing systems. The crackdown comes several months after the match and the disputed incidents in the stands.
