(AFP photo: Franco Carraro, retired FIGC president)

The four teams are: Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio.

Magistrates in Naples said 41 people, including Serie A directors, Italian football federation (FIGC) officials, referees and a journalist would be called in for questioning.

Investigators suspect 19 Serie A matches played last season were suspicious.

The crisis comes just four weeks before Italy launch their bid to win the World Cup in Germany.

Juventus general director Luciano Moggi, who is at the centre of another investigation by the FIGC for alleged collusion in the appointment of referees, will be quizzed in Naples on May 15.

The house of Franco Carraro, who quit as FIGC president on Monday and whose name is also on the list of 41, was raided by police on Friday. Police also raided the FIGC offices in Rome.

Responce / Your Say

"This situation is terrible," said former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who owns AC Milan.

Newly-elected Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi was equally horrified.

"This is a serious situation, a storm that has stirred up the emotions of the whole country," he said.

"Don't forget in a short time, the national team will be heading off to Germany for the World Cup and we are in crisis."