Former Juventus player Fabrizio Miccoli has received a three-and-a-half-year jail sentence over a Mafia extortion racket.
The 40-year-old Italian was accused of seeking out the help of Mauro Lauricella, who is the son of Mafia boss Antonino Calderone, to recover a debt in the Kalsa district of Palermo.
According to reports in Italy, Miccoli was assisting a friend that was owed £17,000 (€20,000) in an argument with a businessman from Sicily.
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The dispute over the money stems from the sale of a night club in Isola delle Femmine.
Miccoli, who was capped 10 times for Italy, allegedly turned to the Mafia in the hopes of claiming the money for his friend.
The verdict was handed down on Wednesday afternoon, with the ex-Italy international lawyers confirming they would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
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According to the Daily Star, Miccoli's case might also have suffered after investigators recorded a conversation of him insulting anti-Mafia judge Giovanni Falcone.
The man that allegedly carried out the money extortion using 'Mafia methods' was sentenced on appeal for seven years last summer.
Miccoli spent the majority of his career in Italy and made over 100 appearances for Italian sides Ternana and Palermo.
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The Italian is also fondly remembered for being a 'FIFA 13 legend' on Ultimate Team.
Topics: Football News, Football