A number of Napoli players have been named in an investigation into a group of Ultra fans suspected of involvement in violent football related crimes.

Eleven members of the notorious ‘Bronx’ group of Ultras were arrested in Naples yesterday morning in a sting operation that followed a two-year investigation.

They are accused of a committing and being associated with a number of football-related crimes in Italy and on foreign shores.

But in announcing the arrests, Naples public prosecutor Giovanni Melillo claimed some Napoli players were friends with the leaders of the Bronx group.

“Some Napoli players maintain contacts with the Ultras because they believe they can influence the club’s choices when it comes to renewing contracts,” said Melillo.

He named Ezequiel Lavezzi as someone who knows Antonio Lo Russo, the son of a suspected clan leader Salvatore.

And former Napoli defender Fabiano Santacroce is said to have been friends with the head of the Bronx Francesco Fuccia, who was arrested yesterday, and had even visited him when he was in house arrest.

Santacroce is supposed to have been introduced to Fuccia by club captain Paolo Cannavaro.

Although Santacroce was interviewed during the probe he is not directly involved while Cannavaro has nothing to do with the case.

None of the players are suspected of being involved themselves in criminal activity.

Serie A today: 20.45 Fiorentina vs Napoli; Inter vs Bologna.

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