Several top ultras of Milanese football clubs have been detained on the accusation of forming criminal groups aiming to take control of businesses in and around the San Siro stadium.

Hardcore supporters of AC Milan and Inter Milan were arrested on Monday for alleged organised crime offences as part of a probe into illegal profits made around matches and the infiltration of mafia gangs into so-called "ultras" groups.

Italian police arrested 19 people accused of criminal ties with the powerful 'Ndrangheta mafia group in a move that decimated the fan clubs backing Serie A teams Inter Milan and AC Milan.