Roma and Italy forward Stephan El Shaarawy was named by Fabrizio Corona as one of the players involved in the betting scandal, but assured via his lawyers that he ‘has nothing to do with gambling of any kind.’
Gossip columnist Corona named another three players to Striscia La Notizia that he claims have placed illegal bets, specifically El Shaarawy, Juventus defender Federico Gatti and Lazio centre-back Nicolò Casale.
The lawyers representing Casale have already denied any wrong-doing and assured they will take legal action against Corona and his site Dillinger News.
Now El Shaarawy’s legal team Matteo Uslenghi and Federico Venturi Ferriolo have also released a statement.
“We have few words, but clear ones: Stephan El Shaarawy has nothing to do with gambling of any kind. He has never placed bets and he was never interested in doing so.
“He is totally relaxed faced with totally unfounded and slanderous accusations. First and foremost, we will take every action to protect our client. This is what we have to say right now following the claims made by Fabrizio Corona to Striscia La Notizia.”
The Turin public prosecutor also informed news sources today that El Shaarawy, Gatti and Casale are not under investigation, as there is currently no evidence linking them illegal gambling.
Only Gatti was mentioned because his Juventus teammate Nicolò Fagioli borrowed money from him, but had told the player this was to purchase luxury watches rather than to cover gambling debts.