In the heart of Naples lies a pizzeria with a storied past, its founder once celebrated for crafting a pizza for none other than Bill Clinton. Yet, today, Dal Presidente finds itself embroiled in a mafia-related investigation, its doors shuttered by police action.
The current proprietors of Dal Presidente, along with their counterparts, find themselves among the five individuals apprehended on suspicion of ties to the Contini clan of the Camorra.
Opened on via Tribunali, the pizzeria traces its origins to the late Ernesto Cacialli, affectionately dubbed “the president’s pizza-maker” after serving a famed “wallet pizza” to Clinton at Di Matteo during the former US president’s visit for the G7 summit in 1994. Drawn by the tantalizing aroma of pizza, Clinton’s impromptu visit to Di Matteo became a memorable moment in Naples’ culinary lore.
Following Cacialli’s legacy, Dal Presidente flourished under his stewardship, churning out thousands of pizzas daily until his passing at 60. However, the pizzeria’s acquisition by its current owner allegedly involved funds derived from the infamous pizzo, or protection money, associated with a prominent figure within the Contini clan. Reports suggest that the suspected mobster wielded influence over various aspects of the business, from staffing decisions to ingredient selection.
Notably, there is no insinuation of mafia involvement during the tenure of the previous owner.
The seizure of Dal Presidente, a beloved haunt for locals and tourists alike, marked a jolting development for its patrons. “I have eaten there many times, it is one of the most well-known pizzerias in Naples,” remarked one customer, opting for anonymity. “The pizza was very good, but I heard from others that there was something a little strange about it … then it all came out yesterday.”
In the wake of the investigation, €35m worth of assets, including the pizzeria, were confiscated by law enforcement authorities.
The fallout from the probe saw three suspects incarcerated, while two others, including a police officer, were confined to house arrest. Charges of fraudulent asset transfers and money laundering loom over them as the legal saga unfolds.