Aston Villa confirm Nicolò Zaniolo is assisting the FIGC and ‘relevant authorities into alleged illegal betting activity’ and that the Italy international is available for Sunday’s Premier League game against West Ham.
Zaniolo is among those under investigation by the FIGC and Turin Prosecutor for illegal betting. He was heard by Italian Police during the international break last week.
However, contrary to his compatriots Nicolò Fagioli and Sandro Tonali, Zaniolo has denied gambling on football matches saying he only played poker and blackjack being unaware that he had been using illegal platforms.
Aston Villa have now released the first statement about the Italian attacker.
“Aston Villa can confirm Nicolò Zaniolo is assisting the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the relevant authorities’ investigation into alleged illegal betting activity. The player has also met with senior officials at the club,” they said.
“Zaniolo is training as normal with the first-team squad and is available for selection ahead of this weekend’s match with West Ham United. No further comment will be made by the Club during this ongoing process.”
Zaniolo and Tonali were interrogated by Italian Police at Coverciano last week and immediately returned to their clubs. Therefore, they were not involved in games against Malta and England.
Fagioli has already received a seven-month ban, while Tonali will likely be suspended for a year or more, but will be available for Saturday’s Premier League match between Newcastle and Crystal Palace.