Former Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta will stand trial for alleged mafia links.
Former Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta will stand trial for alleged mafia links.

The 2006 World Cup-winner was indicted for illegal possession of firearms, according to Deutsche Welle and Agence France-Presse, as well intention to aid the ‘Ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia.

Iaquinta’s lawyer, Carlo Taormina, also revealed that the player’s father Giuseppe faces a more serious charge of mafia association.

More than 140 people are also set to stand trial in the case, with 71 opting for a separate fast-track trial.

Several suspects are suspected of having helped the ’Ndrangheta profit illegally from reconstruction projects in the Emilia Romagna region after two earthquakes in 2012.

Others are believed to have been helping the ‘Ndrangheta to infiltrate the north of Italy, where the organisation is traditionally weaker.

Judge Francesca Zavaglia said the trial would begin on 23 March.

Iaquinta hasn't made a Serie A appearance since a loan spell at Cesena in 2012.