On May 8, 2025, a dramatic shooting incident unfolded in Milan, targeting Luca Guerrini, a 27-year-old member of the Milan ultras. The attack occurred around 1 PM in via degli Imbriani, where Guerrini was driving his Audi Q3 through heavy traffic. Two assailants on a scooter approached his vehicle, and one of them fired three shots using a modified 9mm blank pistol. Remarkably, Guerrini emerged unscathed, escaping through the passenger side of his car.
The scene was chaotic, as witnesses described the attack happening in broad daylight, highlighting the brazen nature of the assailants. According to reports from Corriere della Sera, one bullet struck the windshield, another lodged in the driver’s door, while the third misfired due to a jam in the weapon. The assailants, who were wearing helmets, quickly fled the scene after the shooting.
Guerrini, known for his affiliation with the 'Ultras Giambellino' group and his close ties to Luca Lucci, is no stranger to controversy. He recently assumed a leadership role in the Curva Sud, following a significant crackdown on the organized fan groups, which saw Lucci arrested in September 2024 during the "Doppia Curva" operation that dismantled the leadership of both the Milan and Inter fan bases.
Inside Guerrini's vehicle, police discovered a backpack containing a Milan banner and a flag, which are significant symbols among the ultras. These items have become increasingly rare since the police imposed restrictions on organized fan displays at matches. The banner features Herbert Kilpin, the founder of AC Milan, and a slogan reading "Solo per la maglia," or "Only for the shirt." This has led investigators to speculate that the shooting may be linked to the ongoing power struggles within the fan community.
Guerrini's history is marked by previous legal troubles, including investigations for his involvement in an attack on Dinamo Zagreb fans in September 2022 and for displaying an intimidating banner outside the home of Inter player Federico Dimarco after a Champions League derby in May 2023. These incidents resulted in a one-year stadium ban, known as a Daspo, which he completed in January 2025.
The investigation into the shooting is being led by the Dda (Direzione Distrettuale Antimafia) of Milan, with prosecutors Paolo Storari and Sara Ombra overseeing the case. They are currently exploring connections between the shooting and the power vacuum left by Lucci's arrest, as well as examining the business dealings associated with Guerrini’s barbershop, 'Barber Italian Ink,' located on via Mercantini.
Witness accounts describe the moment of the shooting as surreal, with one bystander likening it to a scene from a television drama. The attack has raised alarm within law enforcement, as it underscores the increasing violence and tensions among fan groups in Milan. The authorities are now focusing on the implications of the shooting, particularly given the heightened scrutiny on organized fan activities following recent events.
As the investigation continues, the police are analyzing footage from a dashcam that captured the incident, which may provide crucial evidence regarding the identities of the shooters. The footage reportedly shows the scooter approaching Guerrini’s vehicle and the subsequent shots being fired.
Guerrini's involvement in the ultras community has always been intertwined with his business ventures. The 'Barber Italian Ink' franchise, which he co-owns, is believed to serve as a financial stronghold for Lucci and his associates. This connection raises further questions about the motivations behind the attack and the potential for retaliatory violence within the fan groups.
The shooting of Luca Guerrini is just the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of violence and rivalry among football fans in Italy. The Dda's investigation into this incident, along with the broader issues of fan culture and organized crime, is likely to continue drawing attention in the coming weeks.
As the dust settles on this shocking event, many are left wondering about the future of fan culture in Milan and the implications of such violence on the sport itself. The authorities are under pressure to restore order and ensure the safety of fans as they gather to support their teams.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling the complex relationship between organized crime and sports fandom in Italy. With the stakes as high as they are, the coming days will likely see increased police presence at matches and heightened scrutiny of fan activities.
In a city where football is not just a sport but a way of life, the repercussions of this attack will be felt far beyond the immediate aftermath. As investigators work tirelessly to piece together the events of that day, the hope remains that such violence can be curtailed, allowing fans to enjoy the beautiful game in peace.
