Bus driver killed by ultras after basketball game in Italy!

Tragic violence in Italian basketball. A 65-year-old driver died after a bus carrying Pistoia supporters was stoned by opposing ultras following a second division match against Rieti on Sunday evening.

Italian basketball has just experienced a dramatic episode reminiscent of the darkest hours of transalpine supporter culture. On Sunday October 19, after the second division match between Rieti and Pistoia, the bus carrying 45 supporters of the visiting team was violently attacked on the highway. A stone thrown by opposing ultras broke the windshield and fatally struck one of the two vehicle drivers.

The victim, a 65-year-old Roman living in Florence and near retirement, was hit in the face and trachea. He died instantly. According to initial findings reported by the Corriere della Sera, Rieti ultras allegedly followed the bus before throwing stones and blunt objects at the front of the vehicle.

Un gruppo di tifosi del Rieti ha assaltato il pullman della squadra avversaria del Pistoia Basket. Sassi e mattoni lanciati contro gli autisti, uno di loro, Raffaele Marianella ha perso la vita pic.twitter.com/DmXbam96L5

— Tg3 (@Tg3web) October 20, 2025

A premeditated attack that shocks Italy

The investigation reveals that tensions had already erupted during the match between supporters of both teams. The bus carrying Pistoia ultras had been escorted during the first part of the return journey, but the attack occurred shortly after the police departed, suggesting the assault was premeditated.

This tragedy has sparked outrage at the highest levels of the Italian state. « This is an unacceptable and senseless act of violence, » responded Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. « I hope those responsible for this cowardly and criminal act will be quickly identified and brought to justice, » added the leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party.

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also expressed his emotion: « How can one die like this? Coming home after a basketball game? Tonight’s assault was carried out by delinquents who turned into murderers and who can never be considered supporters. »

Ma come è possibile morire così, mentre si torna a casa dopo una partita di basket? È sconvolgente l’assalto perpetrato questa sera vicino Rieti da delinquenti che si sono trasformati in assassini e non potranno mai essere definiti tifosi. Lo sport è vita e questi criminali sono…

— Andrea Abodi (@andreaabodi) October 19, 2025

A persistent scourge in Italian sports

Although less affected by violent supporter phenomena than football, Italian basketball hadn’t experienced such a tragedy recently. However, this death is not an isolated case in Italian sports. According to Sky TG 24, 18 people have died directly or indirectly due to supporter fights since 1979, with at least two more deaths since 2020.

Estra Pistoia club has suspended all activities, while its supporters remain shocked: « We are shocked by what happened last night. The heartbreaking scenes we witnessed left us speechless. » An investigation has been opened and many supporters have been questioned, but no arrests had been made by Monday morning.

As Il Messaggero points out, this tragedy raises a fundamental question: « For these people, sport is just a pretext. »