The boss Antonino 'Nino' Santapaola, brother of the historic mafia boss Benedetto, died in the Opera prison in Milan, where he was detained under the 41bis regime.
He was 68 years old and had been ill for some time.
Just yesterday in Milan a trial in which he was accused was postponed due to the inability of the boss to "knowingly take part in the trial".
The news of the death was also confirmed by the Catania public prosecutor's office.
"All his trials - comments his lawyer, the lawyer Giuseppe Lipera - are suspended due to the serious state of health of my client. I had repeatedly presented requests for his release or the granting of house arrest and, at least, the revocation of the measure of 41 bis,
It is a case that must make us all reflect ".