 In 1960, at the age of 19, Vitale was affiliated to the clan mafia of Altarello, which was led by his uncle said Giovanbattista "Titta".Vitale carried out extortions of construction companies on the orders of his uncle and his associate Giuseppe Calò, later being promoted to capodecina.In 1972, Vitale was arrested on suspicion of being implicated in the kidnapping of the manufacturer Luciano Cassina, but was released after a week of isolation in the prison of Asinara.