On 2 February 2007, the Sicilian derby between Catania and Palermo became the scene of one of the darkest nights in Italian football. Violence inside and outside the Stadio Angelo Massimino resulted in the death of police inspector Filippo Raciti. The tragedy brought Italian football to a temporary halt and triggered measures that would have a lasting effect on the country’s ultras scene.
The match had originally been scheduled for Sunday, 4 February, but was brought forward to Friday evening to avoid clashing with Catania’s celebrations for Saint Agatha. Palermo supporters did not enter the away section until around ten minutes into the second half. Their delayed arrival, under police escort, immediately increased the tension around the stadium.
Smoke bombs and firecrackers were thrown as the visiting supporters entered, while police responded with tear gas. The gas spread across the pitch and left players struggling to breathe, forcing referee Stefano Farina to suspend the match for around 40 minutes. Play eventually resumed, with Palermo winning the derby 2-1.
Outside the stadium, the situation had already developed into prolonged clashes between groups of Catania supporters and the police. Stones, metal objects, firecrackers and other missiles were thrown at police lines, while the disorder continued during the interruption and after the final whistle. Palermo supporters were not considered directly responsible for the attack in which Raciti received his fatal injuries.
Initial reports suggested that Raciti had been killed by an explosive device. The medical examination instead found severe abdominal trauma and extensive damage to his liver, caused by a heavy blunt object. The 40-year-old inspector, who was married and had two children, was taken to Catania’s Garibaldi Hospital but could not be saved.
The investigation eventually centred on Catania supporters Antonino Speziale, who was 17 at the time, and Daniele Micale. The prosecution argued that a metal fitting removed from beneath a stadium sink had been used against the police like a battering ram, causing Raciti’s fatal injuries. In 2012, Italy’s Court of Cassation confirmed final sentences of eight years for Speziale and eleven years for Micale for preterintentional homicide.
The judicial reconstruction remained disputed by the defendants, their lawyers and sections of the ultras movement. The slogan “Speziale Libero” subsequently appeared on banners and clothing in several Italian and foreign stands, becoming a controversial expression of solidarity and opposition to the official version of events. Despite the continuing dispute outside the courts, the convictions remained final.
Raciti’s death came only days after amateur club official Ermanno Licursi had been beaten to death while attempting to stop violence following a lower-league match. FIGC commissioner Luca Pancalli suspended professional, amateur and youth football across Italy, while national team fixtures were also cancelled. The suspension lasted for one weekend, with competition resuming under strict conditions.
When matches restarted, spectators were admitted only to stadiums that met the required safety standards. Just six major grounds were initially approved to operate normally, while many Serie A and Serie B matches were played behind closed doors. Catania were ordered to play their remaining home fixtures away from the Massimino, initially at neutral venues without supporters.
The punishment became the subject of several conflicting court decisions during the following months. Catania supporters were eventually allowed to attend the final two home matches against Milan and Chievo, both played at Bologna’s Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The Massimino did not reopen to spectators until 2 September 2007, following extensive security work.
The government also reinforced the measures introduced by the 2005 Pisanu decree. Stadium bans became stricter, clubs faced penalties for formal or financial relationships with ultras organisations, and tighter controls were introduced for away tickets, pyrotechnics and banners. Grounds that failed to install the required turnstiles, surveillance systems and controlled entrances could no longer admit spectators.
For Italian ultras, the events of 2 February 2007 created a clear dividing line. Police control increased, stadium regulations became more restrictive and the relationship between organised supporters and the authorities became even more hostile. The death of Filippo Raciti was therefore not only a tragedy at the Sicilian derby, but also one of the main turning points in the modern history of Italy’s terraces.