Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo have been released from international duty after they were formally placed under investigation for betting breaches, forcing quite a few changes for Italy.
The Azzurri are preparing for the crucial EURO 2024 qualifiers, as they host Malta at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari on Saturday and then visit England at Wembley on Tuesday.
After allegations were made by gossip columnist Fabrizio Corona, it was confirmed today that police visited the Coverciano training ground to interview Zaniolo and Tonali, at the same time informing them that they were formally under investigation.
It is the public prosecutor in Turin holding the investigation, so this is connected to the betting confession of Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli.
A statement from the FIGC this evening announced that Tonali and Zaniolo would be released to their clubs, Newcastle United and Aston Villa respectively.
“Regardless of the nature of the investigation, considering the players are currently not in the necessary condition to face the commitments of the next few days, the Federation has decided, also to protect them, to allow their return to their respective clubs.”
According to reports, the pair are still at the Coverciano training camp and will fly to England tomorrow, whereas the police have now left.
Both players will miss out on the crucial games, but there are more problems for coach Luciano Spalletti to deal with too.
It is reported tomorrow’s training session will be delayed by 30 minutes.
Spalletti also interrupted today’s session in order to bring all the players into the hall for a private meeting without members of his staff.
This was presumably to explain the situation and try to reassure them.
Zaniolo and Tonali were tipped to start at least one of the games, so this also forces Spalletti to change his tactical plans.