Italian police have questioned Premier League talents Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo about possible unlawful betting. After speaking with the police, the two left the Italy national team training camp on Thursday. While being questioned, they were reportedly accompanied by Gianluigi Buffon. Tonali will now return to Newcastle, while Zaniolo will rejoin Aston Villa, where he is on loan from Galatasaray.
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Italian players, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo under the pump
An official statement from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) read, “The Federation communicates that, in the late afternoon today, the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, currently in training with the national team at the Federal Technical Centre of Coverciano.“
The statement continued, “Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided to allow their return to their clubs, even at protection of the same.”
If the betting claims, which violate Italian FA rules, are proven genuine, both Premier League players may face lengthy penalties. When he was a player for Jose Mourinho’s previous club Roma, Zaniolo is said to have put wagers on matches.
Another player involved with Tonali and Zaniolo?
A third player, Juventus midfielder Nicolas Fagioli, is being investigated as well, but he is not a member of Italy’s squad. Italian restrictions are significantly stronger than those under FA jurisdiction, and a three-year ban is possible if guilt is established. Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo will now be unavailable for Italy’s forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England.
Italy will play Malta in Bari tomorrow before heading to London to face the Three Lions at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday. The Azzurri are presently second in Group C, six points behind Gareth Southgate’s side despite having played one game fewer.
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England last played Italy in March, when they won 2-1.
Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 13th minute before captain Harry Kane extended the advantage from the penalty spot just before half time. Mateo Retegui got one back for the Italians in the second half, but it was not enough to get anything from the match.
