Triple Italian international sentenced to five years in prison for match-fixing

Footballer Armando Izzo of Serie A club Monza was convicted Thursday by the court in the Italian city of Naples of match-fixing and participation in a criminal organization. The 31-year-old Italian defender played yesterday against AS Roma (1-1), scoring two goals in 25 games this season. Izzo, who played three international matches for Italy in 2019, faces five years in prison, according to Italian media. He can still appeal, however.

At issue is a match in May 2014, where Izzo unlawfully influenced the result of the Serie B game between Modena and his club Avellino (1-0).

He did so along with two teammates, Francesco Millesi and Luca Pini. They too will still have to answer in court. The match-fixing was allegedly done at the behest of the Vanella Grassi, a clan within the Neapolitan mafia.

Izzo was previously given an 18-month suspension by the Italian Football Federation, which was reduced to six months on appeal. In an announcement, his club Monza expressed support for the player, who “has nothing to do with the criminal environment.” According to the club, the player’s lawyers are disappointed with the ruling and are still considering whether to appeal.