Cesenatico (Forlì-Cesena), July 13, 2026 – The Bologna Court of Assizes of Appeal in the “Radici” trial confirmed the accusatory framework demonstrating the existence of most of the crimes related to a system of illicit investments by the Calabrian ‘ndrangheta in the hotel and confectionery sector in Romagna, including the aggravating factor of the mafia method for some of the defendants. The verdict essentially confirms the first instance sentence of the Ravenna Court which, in January 2025, had established 21 convictions for a total of 98 years in prison, for crimes committed in the territories of Cervia, Cesenatico, Bagnacavallo, Imola, and Reggio Emilia.
Read more The story of the “Antifascist Pasta” banned by the parish told from the beginning
Here are all the sentences for the defendants
The Appeal sentence differs from the first instance only for some acquittals on residual charges, minor sentence adjustments, and for the reduction of provisional payments to be paid to the municipalities that had joined as civil parties. Among the defendants sentenced to the highest penalties, now confirmed, are Saverio Serra, originally from Vibo Valentia but residing in Cervia, sentenced to 13 years and three months; Francesco Patamia, former candidate for the Chamber of Deputies with the Noi moderati list, sentenced to 11 years and two months, and his father Rocco Patamia, who was given a sentence of 10 years and six months. Alessandro Di Maina, residing in Cesenatico, was instead sentenced on appeal to 5 years and six months, while in the first instance he had been sentenced to 6 years and eight months. For the other defendants, sentences range from 2 to 4 years of imprisonment. The Court of Appeal will publish the reasons for the sentence within 90 days, therefore in October, and based on these the convicted persons and their respective lawyers will decide whether or not to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Damages related to the crimes recognized to the Municipality of Cesenatico for 19 thousand euros
The Municipality of Cesenatico was awarded damages related to the crimes for 19 thousand euros and Mayor Matteo Gozzoli is very satisfied: “The Appeal sentence fully confirms the accusatory framework. I thank Prosecutor Marco Forte, lawyer Giuseppe Rizzo, and all the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigations, especially the Cesenatico Finance Police Station and the Cesena Police Command, along with everyone who committed themselves to this very important operation. The confirmation of the sentence gives us courage because it reiterates once again that thanks to the responsiveness of the community, the work of law enforcement and the judiciary, the territories can still defend themselves from mafia infiltrations.”
Some cities in Romagna targeted by Calabrian entrepreneurs
One of the chapters of a story that began in 2018 concludes, when in some cities of Romagna the presence of Calabrian entrepreneurs was noticed who were buying artisanal companies and tourist businesses. The spotlight was on restaurants, bars, pastry shops, and other businesses located in Cervia, Cesenatico, Bagnacavallo, Imola, and Reggio Emilia. In Cesenatico and other territories, behind the businesses was Francesco Patamia, according to the sentences linked to the Piromalli clan, who together with partners conducted negotiations to acquire the businesses through a company based in Milan. There was an atmosphere of criminal activities and a tentacle of the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta settling in Romagna. Patamia then moved elsewhere and left a trusted man, Alessandro di Maina, on site. In the investigations, besides the Finance Police, Gico (Organized Crime Investigation Groups), State Police, and Bologna Dda, an important role was played by Cesenatico Mayor Matteo Gozzoli, who reported the unusual investments on the Riviera to the Prefecture.
