Former Juve striker Vincenzo Iaquinta charged in mafia crackdown

Former Juventus forward Vincenzo Iaquinta is one of 140 people charged to stand trial in front of an Italian judge for links with the 'Ndrangheta mafia, according to media reports.

The Italian international is charged with possession of illegal firearms, and both he and his father are reportedly accused of having ties to the southern Italian organization.

Judge Francesca Zavaglia ordered the trials for March 23, as police crack down on the 'Ndrangheta group for allegedly profiting illegally off construction projects in the Emilia-Romagna region. Police describe the group as the "most active, richest, and most powerful syndicate" in Europe.

Nearly 240 people are under investigation by police. The group is alleged to control a big part of the world's cocaine trade.

Iaquinta, who was a member of the 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning Italy side, retired from football at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 season.