Masked gang storms player’s Castel Fusano residence overnight; family unharmed after terrifying ordeal
A frightening overnight robbery involving AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has sent shockwaves through the Italian capital, highlighting growing concerns over player safety off the pitch.
The incident took place in the early hours of the morning at the player’s home in Castel Fusano, a coastal residential area just outside Rome. According to initial reports, around 3 a.m. a group of six men dressed in black and armed with handguns broke into the property after forcing their way through a window security grate.
Once inside, the intruders reportedly rounded up El Aynaoui and his family—his mother, partner, brother, and his brother’s partner—and confined them to a room while they carried out the robbery. The group made off with valuables including jewelry estimated at around $11,000, a Rolex watch, and several luxury handbags.
Italian police responded to the scene shortly after the break-in, with the investigative unit now leading efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Speaking briefly to reporters later in the day, El Aynaoui described the ordeal as deeply distressing but confirmed that no one suffered physical harm. “We went through some very scary moments,” he said. “But thankfully, we’re all okay.”
Despite the traumatic experience, the Moroccan midfielder reported to Roma’s training center in Trigoria later that same day, preparing with his teammates ahead of the club’s upcoming Europa League fixture against Bologna.
The episode is the latest in a series of high-profile burglaries targeting footballers in Italy, raising renewed questions about security measures for players and their families.
