Scandal hits Ruggeri after allegations he found racist messages erotic | OneFootball

Italy and Atletico Madrid wing-back Matteo Ruggeri is hit by scandal after allegations he paid a woman to send him insulting and racist messages for sexual gratification.

The accusation was made by notorious gossip monger Fabrizio Corona, who is well known to the world of Italian football, having been jailed for effectively trying to blackmail clubs and players with photographs of their behaviour off the field.

He was also found guilty of defamation against Mauro Icardi when he was at Inter, and made broad claims during the betting scandal of 2023 and 2024 that never panned out.

Ruggeri allegations of a shocking nature

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Now Corona has published what he claims are screenshots of payments made by Ruggeri to a female fan worth €150 each.

He insists these were made in exchange for receiving audio messages that he found erotic, including blasphemous (the worst kind of Italian swearing) insults and even racist language, all requested specifically by the Italy international.

Atalanta defender Matteo Ruggeri celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the UEFA Europa league second leg semi-final between Atalanta and Marseille at Bergamo’s stadium on May 9, 2024. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)

If a player or coach is spotted using blasphemous phrases, then he will be given at least a one-match ban.

Corona also published the audio recordings of their conversations, and the things that Ruggeri was allegedly requesting, as well as his response to their nature.

So far, Ruggeri has not given any response to the allegations made by Corona.

The former Atalanta man turns 24 next month and made the €17m plus add-ons transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer, but has been linked with a potential return to Serie A.