Nicolò Fagioli, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo are all involved in a betting scandal, but their situations are very different and the same goes for the possible outcome of investigations.
The Turin Prosecutor is conducting a criminal investigation into illegal betting, which first involved Juventus midfielder Fagioli. The FIGC Prosecutor also opened a sporting investigation, given that professional footballers are not allowed to gamble on football matches even through legit platforms.
Fagioli has already been heard by the Turin Prosecutor many times, although his involvement in the case came to light recently. The FIGC Prosecutor has also interrogated Fagioli several times.
The Juventus midfielder ‘self-reported’ to FIGC, admitting to gambling on football games. He also sought help from a therapist to treat his gambling addiction and revealed all he knew about the case, including the involvement of Sandro Tonali.
Fagioli has negotiated a plea bargain with the FIGC Prosecutor and is expected to know the length of his ban this week. Multiple sources in Italy claim the player’s lawyers hope to get a ban between seven and eight months, while the Prosecutor seeks a one-year suspension. In any case, the 2023-24 campaign is already over the promising Italian midfielder.
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali will follow the same defensive strategy. La Gazzetta has reported that the ex-Milan star is in a hurry to be heard by the Turin and FIGC Prosecutors. Tonali has also started a path to treat his gambling addiction and is reportedly willing to ‘self-report’ and ‘collaborate’ with authorities, just like Fagioli did.
However, investigators are still scanning Tonali’s devices seized at Coverciano last week. According to Gazzetta, it is still unclear whether the Italy international gambled on Milan matches while playing for the Rossoneri and the FIGC Prosecutor will only offer a plea bargain if Tonali’s claims are credible and match what investigators will find on his mobile phones and tablets. It is believed that the Italian midfielder will learn the length of his ban in a few months but will be suspended for a longer time than Fagioli.
The Zaniolo situation is entirely different, at least on paper. His lawyers have claimed that Zaniolo never gambled on football games but only played poker and blackjack, not knowing that the apps he had been using were illegal.
If this is the case, the Aston Villa attacker only risks a fine from the Turin Prosecutor but won’t be banned by the FIGC. If investigators prove the ex-Roma star placed bets on football events, he will be even more in trouble than his compatriots. Zaniolo is expected to explain his stance to Aston Villa directors today, while he and Tonali will be heard by the Turin Prosecutor over the coming days.