July 2, 2025 – In a shocking case that has gripped Italy, 19-year-old Daniele Rezza was sentenced to 27 years in prison by the Milan Court of Assize for the murder of 31-year-old Manuel Mastrapasqua. The crime, which occurred on October 11, 2024, in Rozzano, near Milan, stemmed from a robbery attempt over a pair of wireless headphones valued at just €14.

Rezza, who confessed to the crime, stabbed Mastrapasqua in the chest after demanding the headphones. The victim, a warehouse worker, was found by carabinieri in critical condition and later died in hospital. Rezza fled to Alessandria, intending to escape to France, but turned himself in to police, admitting, “I made a mess in Rozzano.” Authorities recovered the headphones from a dumpster and found Rezza’s washed clothes from the night of the attack at his home.

The prosecution, led by Letizia Mocciaro, had requested a 20-year sentence, arguing Rezza’s actions were driven by a desire to rob without aggravating factors. However, the court imposed a harsher 27-year sentence and ordered Rezza to pay €70,000 to €150,000 in damages to Mastrapasqua’s family, who expressed outrage, with the victim’s mother, Angela Brescia, insisting he serve the full term.

The case has sparked debate on X, with users highlighting the tragedy of a life lost over a trivial item and questioning the severity of the sentence. Rezza, who has a prior record for theft and attempted robbery, expressed remorse, stating, “I have ruined two families.”