Beloved football journalist Luigi ‘Luca’ Esposito has been shot dead and set on fire in an executive-style killing that has rocked the sporting world. Concerned loved ones of Esposito had grown worried after they were unable to contact the 53-year-old on Saturday evening.
A fire had broken out at an isolated field in Salerno, Italy, where fire crews had rushed to the scene and then uncovered Esposito’s remains in the early hours of Sunday morning. His death is being treated as a homicide, with the prosecution in Salerno being overseen by anti-mafia chief Rafaele Cantone.
Detectives had retrieved bullet casings close to Esposito’s body at Bivio Cioffi in Salerno and were able to establish his identity as his vehicle was found in the vicinity.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Detectives are examining Esposito’s personal circumstances for potential motives, including monetary or romantic conflicts. Authorities have yet to rule out any lines of enquiry.
The victim, who was from Nocera Inferiore and was a strong Salernitana 1919 supporter, operated the website TuttoSalernitana. com.
He additionally served as a columnist for La Citta di Salerno and as a frequent pundit on OttoChannel TV, reporting on Serie B clubs including Avellino and Juve Stabia.
His colleagues described him as forthright, bold and extensively connected within the footballing sphere.
OttoChannel director Pierluigi Melillo said: “Luca was a precious collaborator – awkward but never banal, always brave in defending his opinions on football. He was due to be one of our star pundits next season.”
Melillo described the team as being “shocked and incredulous” at the “horrible execution”.
Esposito, who had amassed 15,500 Instagram followers, held two degrees in biology and literature.
His sister described him as a calm individual with no known enemies.
No arrests have yet been made by police, and the investigation into Esposito’s death continues.