Three supporters of Sebastiani Basket Rieti have been arrested in connection with the death of Raffaele Marianella, the co-driver of the Pistoia fans’ bus, who was killed when the vehicle came under a stone attack after Sunday’s game on the state road 79 toward Terni.

Those taken into custody are Manuel Fortuna (31), Kevin Pellecchia (20), and Alessandro Barberini (53). According to Rieti police, there is “strong evidence” linking them to the crime. A fourth supporter is under investigation for aiding and abetting.

Investigators were guided by reports from officers escorting the bus, who noticed several masked individuals fleeing in cars parked under an overpass. One vehicle was stopped, leading police to the three suspects.

The men are said to belong to the “Curva Terminillo”, a hardline Rieti supporters’ group previously flagged for violent behavior at local games. Their social media accounts feature fascist imagery, although authorities stress there is no verified link to far-right extremist groups.

Police are now examining chat logs and surveillance footage to trace others who may have taken part in what appears to have been a planned punitive attack, coordinated through WhatsApp.