A teenage footballer and his friends were taken hostage by armed burglars during a break-in at his father’s villa.
Giorgio Locanto, who plays for Serie D side Chieti, had returned to the villa with his closest friend and two girls after spending Friday (22 May) evening together.
At around 1:30am on Saturday (23 May), five hooded men armed with torches and pistols entered the property in Marina di Montemarciano, Italy, after forcing open a rear door.
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The intruder alarm was not active at the time.
The two couples, who were in separate rooms, were taken completely by surprise.
The burglars first took their mobile phones before ordering all four into the same bedroom.
Giorgio, 19, tried to resist but was punched in the face two or three times.
The gang communicated via walkie-talkies with accomplices outside in a language believed to be Romanian, while speaking to the victims in Italian.
The suspects, who appeared to know the villa inside and out, went straight for the safe, which they opened using a blowtorch.
They emptied it of branded watches, jewellery, other valuables, and items of significant sentimental value. They also stole all the villa’s silverware.
The ordeal lasted more than an hour and a half, as reported by Need To Know.
Giorgio’s father, Diego Locanto – a racing driver, Lamborghini team owner, and former Serie A volleyball player – was not at home at the time.
He told local media: “These are professionals. They knew the villa – they had studied it carefully. They even made a hole in the fence to get through and cover their escape.
“They must also have carried out reconnaissance in the days before.”
The 53-year-old said his son was “in shock” and left with bruising from the punches, but did not require medical treatment.
Diego said: “The important thing is that he’s okay and that there are no health consequences for him or his friends.
“Luxury items can be replaced. Everything else cannot.”
Giorgio, who also studies economics and has previously played for Serie D sides Vogherese and Castelfidardo, told local media: “I was desperate because I could see so many years of my family’s sacrifices going up in smoke, so I reacted.
“At one point, when one of the criminals was distracted, I even tried to grab his gun from him. In response, he hit me with his other hand, showing me the gun was loaded and telling me he would shoot me if I tried again.
“I’m in pain and my head feels like it’s exploding.”
The total value of the stolen goods is still being assessed, and police are working to track down those responsible.
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