Vincenzo Iaquinta Reportedly Ordered to Stand Trial over Alleged Mafia Links

Former Juventus and Italy forward Vincenzo Iaquinta is set to stand trial over alleged links to the Calabrian mafia.

According to Reuters (h/t the MailOnline), Iaquinta will be one of more than 140 figures to be tried in relation to the ‘Ndrangheta, said to be the most powerful organised crime network in Italy. The charges against those to stand trial range from helping the organisation to being an active member of it.

The indictments against Iaquinta, who was part of the Italy team that won the 2006 World Cup in Germany, include illegal possession of firearms and intention to assist the ‘Ndrangheta.

As reported by Football Italia, the 36-year-old’s legal representative, Carlo Taormina, confirmed Iaquinta’s father will also be tried, but over more serious charges of association with the organisation.

It’s also noted in the aforementioned piece that judge Francesca Zavaglia has stated the trial will begin on March 23, 2016.

MICHAEL SOHN/Associated Press

Iaquinta, who retired in 2013, last featured in Serie A for Cesena in 2012 but enjoyed the best days of his career at Udinese and Juventus. At his peak, the rangy striker was a handful for defenders, excelling with his back to goal, in the air and when it came to bringing other players into the game.

The highlight of his playing days came in 2006, when he was part of the Azzurri’s glorious World Cup campaign. Iaquinta played in five of Italy’s seven matches in the tournament, including the final, in which he came off the bench after 61 minutes to replace Simone Perrotta; the Azzurri and France drew 1-1 after extra time, with the former winning 5-3 on penalties.