Nicola Luciano Re, 92, originally from Buccino and living in Milan for decades, was assaulted in his apartment at Via Muratori 53 in a case that began as a fake-carabiniere scam, according to Il Mattino.
He was found in extremely serious condition by his daughter on 27 October and died the following day in hospital, according to Il Giorno.
According to Corriere della Sera's Milan edition, investigators believe a 19-year-old entered the flat posing as a carabiniere while a 22-year-old acted as lookout. Re reportedly realised it was a trick and was struck on the head.
Two Egyptian citizens, aged 19 and 22, were detained over accusations including aggravated robbery and homicide, according to Il Mattino.
An autopsy reportedly ruled out a simple fall, finding skull fractures consistent with an assault, according to Il Giorno.
Among the investigative elements cited are a cap abandoned during the escape and checks of telephone contacts and surveillance images.
Re, a widower, had worked at Alfa Romeo and was known for his passion for mechanics, with a workshop set up in his cellar, according to la Repubblica.
The two men remain suspects, and their criminal responsibility has not been definitively established.
