Monza defender Armando Izzo has written a statement addressing the guilty verdict for match-fixing ‘a game I did not even play in’ for Avellino in 2014.
The centre-back was accused of taking part in organised crime’s attempts to rig two Serie B games involving Avellino in the 2013-14 season, largely because he is cousins with one of the chiefs of a local clan.
However, as it is only the first level of judgment, Izzo will not be considered guilty until all four levels of appeal have been exhausted.
“I am very disappointed with the first level sentence,” wrote Izzo on Instagram.
“I was cleared of any wrongdoing in the Avellino-Reggina match played on May 25 2014, but am accused of fixing the Modena-Avellino game on May 17 2014, a game I did not even play in.
“I will read the motivation given by the judges along with my lawyers and then present an appeal.
“I believe in justice and am sure that the absence of any connection with the criminal underworld will be proved.
“I thank AC Monza and my family, who have always been close to me. I will not stop fighting!”
Monza have already released a formal statement backing their player and confident he will prove his innocence in the appeals courts.
This is the civil court and not the sporting justice system, so there will not be any ban on his playing career for now.