Footballer Gennaro Gattuso's family in peril as Calabrian mafia demands escalate

In his football days, Gennaro Gattuso was a formidable opponent. The central midfielder had a reputation for hard-hitting play and a volatile temperament, leaving rivals hesitant to challenge him for fear of harsh repercussions.

Nonetheless, Italian mobsters are not swayed by this history. The ex-AC Milan star finds himself at odds with the Ndrangheta, one of Italy's largest mafias, based mainly in Calabria. This syndicate has ruined numerous lives and now the family of this 46-year-old man find themselves targeted.

The saga began when Francesco Gattuso, the father, ventured into the photovoltaic industry, according to the newspaper "Il Messaggero". It was envisioned as a family enterprise, with Ida, his sister, playing a part in it. It wasn't long until criminals sought to extort "protection" money for the venture, initially asking for 3,000 euros (around £2,573).

Refusing the mobsters set the nightmare in motion. On the 17th of October, Gattuso's sister's car was set aflame. Two months on, a second car belonging to Ida suffered the same fate. The family were living in constant anxiety of the mafia escalating their threats.

Despite Francesco Gattuso hiring security personnel, the issue persisted. Ultimately, Ida took the issue to law enforcement. Their inquiries revealed the extent of Gennaro's involvement, having previously given the mafia the demanded 3,000 euros (around £2,573), hand delivered by a friend on the 10th of January.

A significant development in the case came recently. Police have apprehended the individual held responsible for torching the vehicles owned by the retired footballer's sister, as well as the person who ordered the act. However, these offenders are but a tiny fraction of an extensive criminal network capable of further targeting the Gattuso family.

Following his retirement, Gennaro Gattuso transitioned into a coaching role. His past appointments include Milan AC, SSC Napoli, and Valencia CF, presently he is overseeing the French team, Olympique Marseille.