Andrea Innocenti On Saturday, October 17, a demonstration that began in Piazza Duomo to denounce the rising cost of living quickly devolved into a wave of violence. Dozens of young people, often dressed in tracksuits and hoods, occupied the central streets of Milan, causing clashes with police and destroying numerous businesses.
Fire and looting at the Decathlon store in Piazza Cairoli
The Decathlon, located a few steps from the Sforza Castle, was the first target. A group of youths managed to smash the windows, breaking into the store and stealing a significant amount of merchandise. Riot police arrived on the scene a few minutes later, but the perpetrators had already fled.
The robbery left the store severely damaged and fueled tension in the area, where images of shattered windows quickly spread on social media.
Details of the law enforcement response
Law enforcement officers risked using tear gas and firecrackers to disperse the protesters, but the crowd responded by throwing paper bombs , firecrackers, and even fire extinguishers.
In total, approximately fifty young people were detained and taken to the Milan Police Headquarters, where they underwent identity checks.
Clashes near Piazza Duomo: injuries and arrests
The violence spread to the surrounding streets, affecting Via Broletto, Via Bossi, and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, where stores selling international brands such as Footlocker and Nike were also vandalized. The official toll indicates approximately forty injuries, split almost equally between protesters and police. Three people were seriously injured, while others suffered only bruises from bullets or falls.
Modes of violence and collateral damage
The "maranza," a term used to describe the hooded youths , set fire to a portable toilet at a construction site in Piazza Duomo, overturned barriers and garbage bins, and damaged a Carabinieri vehicle. The metro system was also affected: several entrances were blocked by makeshift barricades, forcing passersby to take alternative routes.
Protests spread to other cities: Bologna and Turin
The phenomenon wasn't limited to Milan. In Bologna, near the train station, groups of protesters threw stones, bottles, and paper bombs at police, prompting the use of water cannons and tear gas. Dozens of dumpsters and rental bikes were set on fire; a dozen shops had their windows damaged, and seven people were arrested.
In Turin, the most high-profile incident occurred at the Feltrinelli bookstore in Porta Nuova, where youths threw books to the floor, causing chaos and damaging cultural heritage. Authorities used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in three injuries and twelve arrests.
Political authorities have responded firmly. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the incident "unacceptable" and emphasized that the incidents in Turin and Bologna "cannot be ignored." League leader Matteo Salvini condemned the unrest and relaunched a bill to strengthen urban security.