In a recent event for the pro-referendum side, Simone Leoni, the national coordinator of Forza Italia's youth organization, praised the legacy of anti-mafia heroes Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, referring to them as his heroes and foundational figures of modern Italy. He emphasized his personal connection to their struggle against organized crime, highlighting that he was born after the tragic murders of Falcone and Borsellino, which profoundly shaped Italy's fight against the mafia.

Leoni's comments come amidst a contentious atmosphere surrounding prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, who has faced backlash for his aggressive stance against journalists who challenge his narratives. Gratteri, a prominent figure in the fight against organized crime, has threatened journalists regarding their reporting on his controversial claims, particularly in relation to misinformation and his professional history. Leoni's remarks included a pointed criticism of Gratteri, arguing that since 1943 journalists have not been subject to judicial power in Italy, suggesting that Gratteri's approach is indicative of an overreach.

This clash reflects broader tensions within Italian society regarding media freedom, accountability, and the role of the judiciary. By aligning himself with the legacies of Falcone and Borsellino, Leoni not only seeks to position the youth section of Forza Italia as a defender of traditional values but also to call attention to the potential dangers posed by judicial intimidation of the press, which could threaten the democratic principles the anti-mafia heroes fought to uphold.