Malagò calls for individual sanctions after Juventus fans disrupt Mazzola tribute
The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has ruled out collective punishment for Juventus after a section of the club's supporters turned their backs during a minute's silence for Sandro Mazzola. Giovanni Malagò said those responsible should be identified with precision, arguing the club itself was a victim of the incident.
The FIGC president demanded "surgical" identification of the individuals involved in the protest, which took place at the Allianz Stadium in Torino during the scheduled tribute before the Juventus-Atalanta match on 20 September 2026. A group in the Curva Sud turned away from the pitch and chanted the names of club legends including Gaetano Scirea and Andrea Fortunato, while the rest of Serie A honoured Mazzola, the Inter great who died on 19 September aged 83.
"From president, from passionate and as a fan, I hope that only individual subjects will be hit because Juventus is absolutely a victim," Malagò said during an appearance on the Numer1 podcast, hosted by Giuseppe Cruciani, Sandro Sabatini and Ivan Zazzaroni. He expressed sadness that there was no respect "even for the death of a great player, a person who served the country as an athlete".
Malagò cited the minute's silence held for Franco Baresi as the model for how such moments should be observed.
Former players condemn the gesture
Claudio Marchisio, who spent over a decade with the Torino-based club, used his Instagram account to distance himself from the behaviour. The former midfielder posted a photograph of Mazzola as a child with his father Valentino, captain of the Grande Torino team wiped out in the 1949 Superga disaster.
"There are things that, when you truly love football, you struggle to accept. What happened yesterday is one of those," Marchisio wrote. He acknowledged the bond he shares with Juventus supporters, adding that precisely because of his affection for the club's values, he could state without hesitation that such gestures should not occur.
Mariella Cavanna Scirea, widow of Juventus legend Gaetano Scirea, also expressed dismay. "This world no longer knows respect," she told reporters. Ignazio La Russa, President of the Italian Senate, described those responsible as "cretins", noting that Juventus fans would be the first to be upset.
What happens next
The Federal Prosecutor's Office has flagged the incident to the Sports Judge, who will determine any sanctions. Under the FIGC Sports Justice Code, clubs can face fines of up to €50,000 or partial stadium closures for supporter misconduct during moments of silence. In January 2026, Bologna and Lecce each received €5,000 fines when their fans failed to observe a tribute for Rocco Commisso, president of Fiorentina.
Juventus issued a statement condemning the behaviour, saying no rivalry can justify a lack of respect during a minute's silence.
Milan pays its respects
Hundreds gathered at the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milano for Mazzola's funeral. His coffin was draped in the number eight shirt he wore during his playing days, and Inter president Beppe Marotta told mourners that Mazzola had "understood that belonging is not chains but freedom".
Massimo Moratti, former Inter owner and the president during the club's 2010 treble-winning season, sent a letter that was read at the service. Among those present were FIGC president Malagò, Serie A League president Ezio Maria Simonelli, Italy national team coach Claudio Ranieri, and Milan president Paolo Scaroni — who was applauded by Inter supporters as he arrived.
Torino president Urbano Cairo also attended, noting Mazzola's lifelong connection to the memory of his father Valentino and the Grande Torino team.
