Italian authorities are continuing their investigation into the death of Antonio Perrotta, who died after a confrontation outside the Il Castello nightclub in Sangineto, in the province of Cosenza. Two brothers living in Luxembourg are suspected of involvement, with one of them known for representing Luxembourg at the international level in rugby.
Both men have been questioned by an investigating judge in Paola. According to local media, one brother provided his account of the events to the authorities, while the other exercised his right to remain silent.
According to reports in the Italian press, the brothers entered the nightclub with a group of others through a side entrance, avoiding the standard ticketing process. The defence claims that a security guard nonetheless allowed them inside. After heading to the bar, the group was asked by security staff to leave the premises.
One brother, in his statement to police, said that as security personnel were escorting him out, he was struck on the back of the head. Tensions escalated when Antonio Perrotta arrived on the scene. The brother alleges that his sibling, the rugby player, then punched Perrotta in the face, between the nose and chin, before both brothers left the area. It should be noted that this version of events comes from the defence and has not been established by the courts.
Investigators have obtained surveillance video from the nightclub. According to the Corriere della Calabria, the arrest warrant refers to movements consistent with a physical altercation. Security personnel reportedly struggled to remove the brothers, even beyond the club’s security perimeter. Prosecutors believe, based on current evidence, that Antonio Perrotta was punched forcefully in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground. The precise sequence of events remains under review, and authorities are working to determine the exact roles each brother may have played.
Antonio Perrotta received initial medical attention at the scene before being transported to the hospital in Cetraro. As his condition deteriorated, he was airlifted to the Annunziata hospital in Cosenza, where he died following emergency brain surgery. A post-mortem examination carried out on Thursday revealed significant cranial trauma. Further tests are expected to clarify the extent of Perrotta’s injuries and their direct link to his death. The final forensic report is expected within 60 days.
The brothers were arrested while allegedly in possession of plane tickets. Their defence maintains there was no intention to flee Italy, arguing that the tickets had been purchased before the incident: one brother had bought three tickets for a 17 August departure (including two for their parents) on 27 July, while the other purchased his own ticket on 1 August. Their lawyer argues this proves the trip was pre-planned and not an attempt to evade justice.
A judge must now decide on the continued measures against the two men who, at this stage, remain presumed innocent. The circumstances surrounding Antonio Perrotta’s death are yet to be definitively established by Italian authorities.
