Published on 16.10.2023
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa have been accused of engaging in unlawful betting activities.
As a result, both players have been sent home from international duty with Italy and are currently under police investigation. Alongside them, Juventus youngster Nicolo Fagioli is also facing allegations of illegal betting, as reported by ‘Forbes’. The police are actively probing these claims.
The investigation began after these players were questioned by the police during the Italy training camp at Coverciano, as reported by Italian media. Following these inquiries, the Italian Football Association (FIGC) decided to send both Tonali and Zaniolo back to their respective Premier League clubs. In their absence, Italy manager Luciano Spalletti called up Samuele Ricci from Torino and Stephan El Sharaawy from Roma to replace the two players.
Regarding Fagioli, his lawyer confirmed that the 22-year-old player voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in connection with the alleged illicit betting activities. According to reports from ‘Forbes’, Fagioli has acknowledged his involvement in these offenses and provided his mobile phone to the police as evidence.
In accordance with FIGC regulations, any player found to have engaged in football-related gambling activities may face a minimum ban of three years, in addition to a fine of at least EUR 25,000 or 26,520.
