In the quiet town of Grottaferrata, just outside Rome, a dramatic turn of events has thrust a once-celebrated sports figure back into the spotlight—but this time, for all the wrong reasons. On September 6, 2025, the Carabinieri of Grottaferrata executed a house arrest order against Romolo Casamonica, a 63-year-old former Olympic boxer, following a months-long investigation into a suspected arson attack on his neighbor’s property. The story, which has gripped local residents and drawn national media attention, is as much about a neighborhood dispute as it is about the legacy of a man whose name was once synonymous with Italian boxing glory.
According to Secolo d’Italia, the incident at the heart of this case occurred on August 8, 2025, in the courtyard of a Romanian neighbor's home on via B. Gosio, Grottaferrata. Authorities allege that Casamonica deliberately set fire to materials in the neighbor’s yard, an act that quickly escalated into a full-scale investigation. The fire itself was not just a matter of property damage—it also involved the illegal presence and handling of special waste, a detail that added another layer of seriousness to the case.
Initial reports from the Carabinieri, as cited by Secolo d’Italia, indicated that Casamonica was first reported at large after the incident. Officers who arrived at the scene confirmed the presence of special waste that had been set alight and began to piece together the events leading up to the fire. What they found was a pattern of escalating tension between Casamonica and his neighbors, particularly the Romanian man whose property was targeted. The investigation, coordinated by the Velletri Public Prosecutor’s Office, soon uncovered traces of ignition in areas linked to Casamonica’s own property, along with evidence of repeated threatening behavior directed at several neighbors.
As the facts came to light, the legal machinery moved swiftly. On September 6, the judge of the Velletri Court issued an order for Casamonica’s house arrest, citing the gravity of the evidence and the risk of further incidents. But the repercussions didn’t stop there. The same order mandated the preventive seizure of the building Casamonica and his family had been living in—a property owned by the Municipality of Rome and, notably, illegally occupied not just by Casamonica, but also by his wife and daughter.
The details of their living situation, reported by Secolo d’Italia and confirmed by local authorities, paint a picture of a family under considerable legal scrutiny. Casamonica’s wife is currently under social service probation, with an obligation to remain at home during nighttime hours, while their daughter is also under house arrest. All three family members have been reported for the illegal occupation of municipal property, adding yet another legal challenge to the already complex case.
For many Italians, the name Romolo Casamonica carries a very different set of associations. Known in the boxing world as “Zorba,” Casamonica’s athletic career was nothing short of remarkable. As Secolo d’Italia recounts, he represented Italy at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the superwelterweight category, winning his first match against Ireland’s Sam Storey before losing in the second round to Frank Tate, who would go on to claim the gold medal. Casamonica’s professional career spanned more than a decade, from 1985 to 1996, during which he notched up 30 victories, 4 defeats, and 2 draws. He held Italian titles in both the welterweight and superwelterweight divisions and twice challenged for the European superwelterweight crown.
Yet, as the years passed, Casamonica’s name became entangled with a different kind of notoriety. He is a member of the Casamonica family, a surname that has frequently surfaced in Italian judicial chronicles, sometimes in connection with criminal investigations and high-profile legal proceedings. While the current case is focused on arson and illegal occupation, the family’s broader reputation has undoubtedly colored public perceptions of the unfolding events.
The specifics of the August 8 fire are still being examined by investigators, but the initial findings are damning. Authorities discovered clear traces of an ignition device on Casamonica’s property, suggesting a deliberate act rather than an accident. Moreover, the investigation found that this was not an isolated incident—neighbors, including the Romanian victim, reported a history of menacing behavior and heated disputes with Casamonica over what have been described as “trivial reasons.” This pattern of conduct, according to the Velletri Prosecutor’s Office, played a significant role in the decision to impose house arrest and seize the family’s residence.
The property itself is emblematic of a broader issue facing Rome and its surrounding communities. The building in question is part of a larger complex of apartments, all of which are reportedly illegally occupied. Owned by the Municipality of Rome, these apartments have long been the subject of legal wrangling and municipal concern. The simultaneous legal actions against Casamonica, his wife, and daughter for invasion of buildings underscore the authorities’ determination to address not only the immediate incident but also the wider problem of unauthorized occupation.
The case has also sparked debate about the intersection of fame, family legacy, and the law. For some, Casamonica’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale about the perils of unresolved neighborhood disputes and the responsibilities that come with public recognition. For others, it is a reminder that no individual—regardless of their past achievements or family ties—is above the law. As one local resident put it, “It’s shocking to see someone who once represented our country in the Olympics now facing such serious charges. But justice has to be the same for everyone.”
Legal experts note that the charges against Casamonica and his family could result in significant penalties if they are found guilty. Arson, especially when combined with the illegal handling of hazardous waste, is treated as a grave offense under Italian law. The additional accusations of illegal occupation further complicate their legal standing, making the outcome of the case anything but certain.
As the investigation continues, the community of Grottaferrata remains on edge, watching closely as the legal process unfolds. The story has reignited conversations about safety, property rights, and the challenges of integrating diverse communities in rapidly changing neighborhoods. For now, the once-heroic figure of Romolo Casamonica finds himself at the center of a very different kind of fight—one that will play out not in the boxing ring, but in the courts of law.
With the facts laid bare and the legal process in motion, Grottaferrata waits to see how justice will be served in a case that has, quite literally, set the neighborhood alight.